FOLLOWING the news of the proposal to demolish the Theatre Church in Bolton, I am responding as an active member in the Bolton Amateur Dramatic circuit to say that it is extremely upsetting to hear of this news.
As I grew up participating in shows, musicals, plays and concerts at Theatre Church it wasn’t just a venue to us, but a second home!
Many societies in Bolton are forced to search around for alternative venues, one of which is the Albert Halls which is due to close for a year in November to undergo refurbishment, which I am sure will force it to raise costs even further.
If you weren’t aware, Bolton actually boasts one of the largest operating amateur theatre networks in Europe, so I hope serious considerations can be made to overturn this planning permission.
To knock down something so valuable and necessary as Theatre Church for the matter of a few more houses . . . I am sure there are plenty of other inhabited spaces that can be put to use, rather than destroying a legacy. As someone who has gained memories, friends, and a career from my experiences at the Theatre Church, I urge the council to do the right thing.
Matthew Gavin Breightmet
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