AT the Manchester Awards for excellence in the arts in 1998, the Octagon Theatre was nominated for no fewer than 15 awards for its actors, directors, productions and design. It won three for Best Actress, Best Newcomer and Best Supporting Actor, yet I continue to read articles and letters in your paper criticising both the artistic management of the theatre and the work it has been offering.

The other side of the story is that Lawrence Till has programmed and produced over 75 plays in seven years with a skilled and committed team at the theatre. Together they have created a broad spectrum of plays as diverse as Titus Andronicus, The Ghost Train and Alan Bennett's Talking Heads which was 98pc full for six weeks. Work has included classics such as Blood Wedding and Edward The Second, comedies from Victoria Wood and Alan Ackyborn, new work from local writers like Bill Naughton and Les Smith and from talented newcomers like Charlotte Jones and Dominic McHale whose play The Resurrectionists sold out before it had opened.

This theatre is more accessible than ever before. Lawrence has created an Education Department to provide contact with schools and re-created a Youth Theatre which nearly 200 young people attend. There are now signed and audio described performances for people with sight and hearing disabilities and the provision of wheelchair access with a new lift. Training has been at a premium with many bursaries to enable the next generation of designers, writers and directors to learn their craft at the Octagon. Lawrence has improved and extended the building and created a level of service which means that the theatre staff are the friendliest I have ever encountered.

The blame for the current financial crisis of the theatre needs to be laid squarely at the feet of the National Lottery Award which is the main reason for the theatre's deficit. It may seem wonderful to be given grants of over a million pounds, but it comes with the proviso that you raise 25pc of the money yourselves. For local communities and arts organisations all over the country such as the Octagon, that simply hasn't been possible - even the Royal Court in London still remains unopen. The Government needs to take some responsibility for a scheme which is putting buildings into debt and is more about bricks and mortar than work or audiences. When you look for a scapegoat, remember that, two years ago, Lawrence could do no wrong in your eyes. "Made in Bolton" has been something to be truly proud of - you may regret its loss in the years to come.

Kate Raper (Theatre Director)

Highlever Road, London

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