Octagon Theatre

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Octagon Theatre Bolton
Image courtesy Bolton Octagon

Opened in 1967 and constructed from money raised by public donation, the Octagon Theatre was the first theatre built in North West England after World War II, and has been making nationally-regarded theatre, with a strong community focus, ever since.

The Octagon is currently under major redevelopment. Octagon Reimagined will see the largest transformation of the building in its 50-year history

The project will transform the building to ensure the theatre is fit for the future through improving accessibility, audience comfort and experience, backstage facilities and increasing our work with young people and the community. The new theatre is set to open in 2020.

During this time the Octagon is continuing to produce theatre in different locations. Always an exciting programme – the Octagon continues to produce a fantastic range of popular, bold and adventurous theatre while the building undergoes redevelopment; showcasing new writing, quality drama and festive fun for families.

The Octagon Box office, café and young people and adults programme will be at the Octagon’s temporary home at the Market Place Shopping Centre, Bolton.

View map
Telephone: 01204 520661 Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • Monday9:30am - 4:30pm
  • Tuesday9:30am - 4:30pm
  • Wednesday9:30am - 4:30pm
  • Thursday9:30am - 4:30pm
  • Friday9:30am - 4:30pm
  • Saturday9:30am - 4:30pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Octagon Theatre

Until
ActivityLiverpool
Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

£8.50 with concessions
Until
ComedyManchester
Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

from £5.00
Until
ComedyManchester
The Comedy Vault

Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.

free entry
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ComedyManchester
Comedy Balloon

Every Wednesday at Ape & Apple, Manchester’s official underground comedy club, Comedy Balloon’s friendly and warm comedy night takes place.

free entry

Where to go near Octagon Theatre

Ripley's Believe It Or Not
Blackpool
Museum
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

Located at Blackpool Pleasure Beach resort, this museum of oddities is the perfect place for families to discover the strange, the unusual and the extraordinary.

Image courtesy of Saoko Cocktail Bar.
Blackpool
Restaurant
Saoko Cocktail Club

This cocktail bar may be the new kid on the Blackpool block, but it’s already renowned for its excellent service and imaginative drinks that offer an ‘experience and a story’.

Little Black Pug by Ian Jones.
Blackpool
Restaurant
Little Black Pug

Head to Balckpool’s Little Black Pug for an historic, laid-back, family-friendly pub with a huge malt whiskey collection.

Ian Jones.
Blackpool
Shop
Aunty Social

Both a lifestyle store and a community arts hub, Aunty Social showcases the very best of Blackpool’s creative community. A great spot to pick up lovingly-made gifts.

Exterior of fish and chip shop
Blackpool
Restaurant
Harrowside Fish & Chips

Winner of the Good Food Award’s coveted Chippy of the Year award on multiple occasions, Harrowside is a great choice for fish and chips in Blackpool.

Ladies eating Fish and Chips
Blackpool
Restaurant
C Fresh

C Fresh is an old school, decidedly affordable chippy near Blackpool prom, consistently busy with locals – a sure-fire sign it’s doing something right.

Twisted
Blackpool
Restaurant
Twisted Indian Street Food

Blackpool’s number one Indian restaurant, Twisted Indian packs a flavour punch and isn’t afraid to mix the traditional with the modern. Their motto? ‘Being normal is boring.’

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