I’M ashamed to say that I’d never been to the Octagon Theatre until last week when a friend took me to see Journey’s End.

I usually go to the Royal Exchange and I had assumed that the standard would be much higher there.

But Journey’s End was one of the best productions I’ve seen anywhere. The set was incredible, the acting superb and the beautiful lighting and realistic sound made for an extraordinary atmosphere. I really felt as if I was inside the dugout with the characters.

When I got home and read the programme I saw that the director has directed plays for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre as well as in the West End.

This production is as good as anything you could see in London.

I was disgusted that there were so few people there to see this incredibly moving, funny and entertaining production. Fewer than 100 the night I went.

If I were one of the brilliant actors I would think twice about working at the Octagon again when so few people can be bothered to see such a brilliant production.

And if I were the artistic director I would certainly leave the Octagon and find a theatre that appreciates my talent.

The people of Bolton simply don’t deserve the Octagon.

Sheila Parker Tottington