Bolton Octagon’s Crowdfunder appeal (see here) has risen to more than £40,000 from over 300 people since late May - a huge increase on the fund’s originally hoped-for £15,000 by the end of June. The final amount will be doubled by the Oglesby Charitable Trust.
Actors Ian McKellen, Sue Johnston, Sharon D Clarke, Matthew Kelly and more have sent messages of support.
Sir Ian McKellen, who spent his teenage years in Bolton, said: “It might surprise you that such a vital resource for the town is a registered charity. So do your best, contribute what you can.”
Actor and TV personality Matthew Kelly, who has worked many times at the Octagon, said: “The Bolton Octagon is a thrilling, exciting, innovative, creative heart of a community and is a very, very special theatre.”
Holby City and Doctor Who star and 2019 Olivier Award winner Sharon D Clarke performed at the theatre in the 1980s: “Everyone in the building was so warm and welcoming. It was and still is a vibrant, creative fun place to work… Over those two years I found my northern family. I remember that time vividly and so fondly.”
Chief Executive Roddy Gauld said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received so far. As well as the generous donations, it has been wonderful to hear how much the Octagon means to people and how the theatre has touched so many lives.”
To donate to the Octagon Future Fund click here