SHEILA Parker (Letters, September 15) is well out of order in her criticism of the people of Bolton for her perception that they do not support The Octagon Theatre.

Earlier this year The Bolton News reported that the Octagon had announced a record- breaking 2013, having smashed box-office records with three hit shows that year.

In January 2013, almost 12,000 people saw Of Mice and Men, more than 10,600 saw An Inspector Calls and Hobson's Choice was played to an audience of nearly 11,000.

Before the production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night opened, 5,000 tickets had been sold.

Perhaps Ms Parker should do her homework before being so critical of the people of Bolton, who deserve and, very obviously, do support their local professional theatre.

Anthony Bridge Bolton