THE writing has been on the wall for some time for the Octagon Theatre's Artistic Director, Lawrence Till.

It was clear when the idea of fewer "home-grown" productions was mooted, that there would no longer be a need for an Artistic Director.

We regret that. And we regret too that Till, who has staged some magnificent productions and brought local and national acclaim to the Octagon is to lose his job.

The town has been lucky to have kept a man of Till's calibre for so long. He's steered the theatre through a period of great change and if he hasn't pleased all of the people all of the time that does not mean he was not doing his job well.

Whatever criticisms may be levelled at Till, no-one can doubt his artistic integrity. He has staged innovative and exciting work which may not have always increased ticket sales, but has certainly raised the Octagon's profile.

We liked the idea of Theatre Made in Bolton, which Till sought to stage. And we hope the concept of bringing in touring companies will be only a temporary measure.

The theatre needs support from the people of Bolton and we urge them to give it.

Meanwhile, we wish Till well and thank him for his work at the Octagon.

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