WE sincerely hope that the £250,000 rescue package to save Bolton's Octagon Theatre will lift the threat to its immediate future. But it is plain that the reasons why the famous theatre is going through a cash crisis must also be addressed.

Little can be done about the freeze on arts' subsidies in recent years, but much can be done about falling ticket sales.

In the '90s, there are more and varied places to enjoy an evening out, and home entertainment via the TV screen is now more sophisticated and compelling than ever before.

But, the Octagon has brought a rich and varied programme of productions to the town, and a whole clutch of famous thespian names. And there is no doubt that it has added enormously to the cultural fabric of Bolton for many years.

Today, however, there is another factor that must take centre stage - commercialism.

Every theatre - professional or amateur - has to face the fact that it's "bums on seats" that count. Production sums must add up each time, otherwise - just like companies everywhere - the coffers run dangerously low, and the future is threatened.

If Bolton Council chiefs and arts' bosses can save the Octagon, there may well need to be a more practical look at what the local public actually wants to see at its town theatre.

And it may be that the Octagon may have to look towards its neighbour the Oldham Coliseum for some tips on giving the people what they want.

This newspaper would certainly urge the Bolton public to support moves to retain its own theatre, which aids its status on all levels.

But we would also urge the powers that be at the Octagon to listen to that same public, and then act accordingly. Perhaps in that way, our theatre's bank balance in the Millennium will have a happier ending.

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