THE OCTAGON is Bolton's own. Two letters in BEN on January 26 criticise Bolton's very own live theatre. But the live theatre at the Octagon is alive and kicking.

I saw Happy Days. An unlikely subject. The claustrophobic set helped reinforce the message of the play - the almost indestructable human spirit. I also saw Saved. There is more casual violence on any television station.

The horrifying message for me was how the play predicted the ease to which circumstances can lead people to violence. In the 20 to 30 years since the play was written, we are still not able to prevent violence in society.

The Octagon has staged some very happy productions. I was there on the coach with Annie and Fanny from Bolton to Rome. And, right in the middle of the magical world of the Wizard of Oz.

I have seen plays put on by Farnworth, Bolton and Wigan Little Theatres - the actors shine. BEN readers please search out and support ALL your local theatres.

The theatre should shock and inform as well as entertain. Search them out, sit back, and enjoy - some theatres give you the opportunity to meet the directors and actors involved. Try it out for yourself.

Peter Worthington

Finger Post, Little Lever

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