AUDIENCE figures at the Octagon Theatre have increased by more than 16 per cent this year.

In late October, the Octagon announced that its recent production of East Is East had broken the record for the largest pre-sale income at the theatre.

The show, staged with the Pilot Theatre and York Theatre Royal, closed at the Octagon on Saturday (Nov 19) , having also broken all ticket office records as the biggest-selling show in the theatres 38-year history.

The production was attended by 7,140 people, and of this figure 1,642 (22 per cent) were new visitors to the Octagon.

East is East, written by Ayub Khan-Din, also generated more than £500 in donations towards the South Asian Earthquake Disaster Fund, which has been presented to the Mayor of Bolton's Earthquake Appeal.

Additionally, a donation to an Apna News fundraising event and auction - two top-price tickets, backstage tour, evening meal and exclusive meet-the-cast opportunity - was very successful.

Head of marketing Lesa Dryburgh said: "Everyone at the Octagon Theatre is absolutely delighted by the support that East Is East has received from the Bolton community, and we would like to thank all who supported the production.

"This success comes towards the end of what has been an outstanding year for the Octagon, with significant increases in audiences of more than 16 per cent over the past 12 months.

"This season will be concluded in a similar style with our festive show, The Twits, which is already the best-selling festive show in the theatres history."