Dr Brian Iddon MP wishes Bolton's Octagon Theatre a Happy 40th Anniversary

Bolton South East MP, Dr Brian Iddon today tabled an Early Day Motion to congratulate Bolton’s Octagon Theatre on its 40 Year Anniversary.

Dr Iddon said,

“I am delighted to be a supporter and Patron of the Octagon Theatre’s 40^th Anniversary Season. It has enjoyed tremendous success and received a number of awards for the quality of its performances throughout its existence.”

The Octagon Theatre was established in 1967 and has grown in size and importance since then with further space added in the 1980’s and considerable refurbishment work done in the late 1990’s to bring the building up to date. The theatre has built strong partnership relationships with local organisations and the principal sponsor for its 40^th Anniversary will be the University of Bolton. 

The Octagon Theatre has just launched its programme to commemorate its 40^th Anniversary Season. The programme, which will run from September 2007 to July 2008, will feature five world premieres and four new commissions from regional and national playwrights.

Dr Iddon said,

“The programme that the Octagon Theatre has put together to celebrate their 40^th Anniversary is a continuing example of their commitment to quality and diversity in the arts. Local people will have to opportunity to see new work from international and national playwrights as well get involved themselves through the Octagons community theatre work.”

Dr Iddon continued,

“I wanted to celebrate the work of the Octagon Theatre in Parliament and to call on the Government to ensure that sustainable local theatres are given the support they need to continue enhancing local people’s lives.”         

Dr Brian Iddon MP tabled Early Day Motion 1300 entitled “40^th Anniversary of Bolton’s Octagon Theatre” on 18^th April.    

40th ANNIVERSARY OF BOLTON'S OCTAGON THEATRE

That this House congratulates the Octagon Theatre, Bolton on the launch of its 40th Anniversary season on 25th April, which includes five world premieres and four new commissions from regional and national playwrights and which will run from September 2007 through to July 2008; notes the tremendous artistic, social and financial success that the theatre has enjoyed, particularly in the past decade, which has resulted in many nominations and awards at local and national events, and capacity audiences; notes the dedication of the theatre's staff, who are responsible for the unparalleled quality of set, costume, lighting and sound design, as well as inventive marketing campaigns; congratulates the theatre for its extensive partnerships with social organisations and businesses in outreach, community and education work; further notes that the theatre has tremendous support from local and national sponsors and grant-awarding bodies, including a unique partnership with the University of Bolton, long-standing partnerships with Warburtons and its principal patron, Sue Hodgkiss DL, whose fundraising over the years is a major contribution of this success, and strong relationships with Bolton Council, AGMA and the Arts Council NW; and urges the Government and other funding organisations to continue to support sustainable local theatres such as Bolton's Octagon theatre.