WE are very fortunate to have Lawrence Till as the Octagon Theatre's Artistic Director. His programme has been outstanding and has considerably enhanced the theatre's reputation.

Cllr Bob Howarth's comments and approach are correct. The Octagon is the cornerstone in the town's arts and fully deserves all the support the council can give.

I am surprised that our local schools do not ensure that all children experience the impact of live theatre in the round at the Octagon more frequently.

It is a fantastic local education resource.

We should not change the type of programme but get more "bums on seats" by much more emphasis on marketing and promotion.

Colin Bonniface,

New Hall Lane, Bolton

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