I write to express my concern over the intended change of function of The Octagon Theatre, Bolton from a vibrant producing theatre at the centre of its community into another receiving venue that will produce no more than four of its own shows a year.

Leaving aside the loss of jobs such a contraction will involve, I cannot view the change as anything other than a cultural disaster for the town. Over the last few years, and particularly under the directorship of Lawrence Till, The Octagon Theatre has enjoyed a very special relationship with the Boltonians. Its wide repertoire has addressed issues relevant to the specific area as well disseminating the major issues of the day and serving as an educative force both in reaching out to the young through community policies and in encouraging lively debate in its 'talk back' slots. Why should the people of Bolton be asked to settle for second best ad hoc programming, aimed at entertainment rather than at cultural enrichment?

I have served on two theatre boards in my time and watched with dismay as our cultural heritage gets eroded. Live theatre is something this country does superbly well. I had always believed it was a birthright British children could expect to inherit but, of course, if it atrophies to the point of no return the next generation won't even know what it's been deprived of.

Vanessa Rosenthal

Wetherby Road, Leeds

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