IT’S unlikely the Octagon could have closed its doors for development with a better show than Summer Holiday.

It delighted the thousands who saw it. We started the fun at the new Transport Interchange, it continued on the double-decker bus round to the theatre and then delivered a brilliant, feelgood production inside.

I know Summer Holiday is that kind of a show but it was a great choice, delivered by a very talented cast and is typical of what we have come to expect from our first-class theatre.

Now the curtain has come down on this building as it closes for redevelopment. Staff have relocated to temporary offices in The Market Place, the theatre’s different groups continue their work and there is a forthcoming Out and About season which sees exciting off-site productions in Queens Park, the Macron Stadium and the Albert Halls.

Let’s hope that local people – and Octagon fans from around the North-west – continue their support as it undergoes a multi-million pound facelift because it’s a real gem.