BOLTON and Bury productions feature in A Year in the Theatre 1996-7 edited by Giles Haworth.

This is the fifth edition of what must be the most comprehensive guide to amateur and professional theatre in Greater Manchester.

In an introduction, Haworth apologises for the fact that the book is shorter than it might have been had he not lost his employment and been refused leave to deal with publishing matters.

No apologies are necessary. The book still fulfils its prime function of listing many productions throughout the region, with programme details plus details of awards, including the BEN amateur stage awards. And there are still 687 productions fully detailed.

Numerous reviews are offered and I have to say I disagreed with many of them. But this is Haworth's assessment of the local theatre scene, not mine.

I've referred before to Haworth's amazing attention to detail. It's evident again here as he painstakingly lists productions including school shows and I still marvel at his dedication.

The publication stands not only as a reference book but as a personal appraisal of theatre in Greater Manchester. If you want your production to be included, send programme details to Haworth.

Published by Broadfield Publishing at £6.95, the book is available from many bookshops or by post from Broadfield Publishing, Freepost, Manchester, M14 7DJ.

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