40th ANNIVERSARY OF BOLTON'S OCTAGON THEATRE

EDM number 1300 in 2006-07, proposed by Brian Iddon on 18/04/2007.

That this House congratulates the Octagon Theatre, Bolton on the launch of its 40th Anniversary season on 25th April, which includes five world premieres and four new commissions from regional and national playwrights and which will run from September 2007 through to July 2008; notes the tremendous artistic, social and financial success that the theatre has enjoyed, particularly in the past decade, which has resulted in many nominations and awards at local and national events, and capacity audiences; notes the dedication of the theatre's staff, who are responsible for the unparalleled quality of set, costume, lighting and sound design, as well as inventive marketing campaigns; congratulates the theatre for its extensive partnerships with social organisations and businesses in outreach, community and education work; further notes that the theatre has tremendous support from local and national sponsors and grant-awarding bodies, including a unique partnership with the University of Bolton, long-standing partnerships with Warburtons and its principal patron, Sue Hodgkiss DL, whose fundraising over the years is a major contributor to this success, and strong relationships with Bolton Council, AGMA and the Arts Council NW; and urges the Government and other funding organisations to continue to support sustainable local theatres such as Bolton's Octagon theatre.

This motion has been signed by a total of 23 MPs.