SOME of my happiest times have been spent in theatres all over the country. Sadly many of them have closed now.

I remember with great affection the Octagon in Bolton. A jewel of a theatre, it is just the right size and can be adapted to different shapes, including my favourite: Theatre in the Round. One feels in touch with every member of the audience, and whenever I have been there the house has been filled with enthusiastic theatre goers. The town is rightly proud of its theatre.

Now I hear that the Octagon is badly in need of financial support. It would be tragic if a regular company could not be maintained there, and if the youth and community work had to be curtailed.

I would like to urge Culture Minister Chris Smith to provide support from the Arts Council Strategic Development Fund, or any other source available. If you don't already know the Octagon may I suggest that you go and see what is going on there? I am sure you will agree that it must continue as a proper, regular theatre, making plays in Bolton and serving the community.

Elizabeth Kelly

Stepney Road, Scarborough, N Yorks.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.