IN April last year, Lawrence Till, the Octagon Theatre's Artistic Director delivered a hard-hitting message about arts funding in Britain. Till (pictured below) claimed then there was a funding crisis in the infrastructure that supports the Arts in this country. And he pointed that although the National Lottery had provided millions of pounds for theatres and arts organisation, that money had to be spent on the theatre's building and that not one penny was available for the productions themselves.

In a chilling forecast of the current situation, he warned that despite having a beautifully refurbished building, the theatre might no longer be able to afford to continue its innovative programming policies.

Till pointed out that the Octagon attracts quality actors.

It does - but not for the money.

There are no "star" salaries at the theatre and it is clear that the well-known actors who walk its boards are doing it for the quality of the productions and not the cash.

And it shouldn't be forgotten that the theatre employs 70 people in Bolton and is committed to keeping ticket prices low.

The theatre has been proud of its "Made in Bolton" productions. Conceivably this might change and more touring productions be encompassed and fewer "home-made" plays staged.

Only last week, the Octagon learned that it was getting an increase on last year in its subsidy from the North West Arts Board of £34,493.

This brings its total subsidy from the North West Arts Board to £290,000.

Rightly, Till saw this as recognition from the Arts Board of the quality of the work that the theatre creates.

It is hoped that this latest increase is not too little too late.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.