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

Pig Heart Boy at The Lowry
FamiliesMediaCityUK
Pig Heart Boy at The Lowry

A Children’s Theatre Partnership, Unicorn Theatre and Sheffield Theatres Production
Based on the novel by Malorie Blackman
Adapted by Winsome Pinnock
Directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu

Is it better to have a pig’s heart that works … than a human heart that doesn’t?

Where to go near Octagon Theatre

Bolton Library Theatre
Bolton
Library
Bolton Library Theatre

Bolton Library Theatre is situated inside Bolton Museum, a public museum and art gallery, which is owned by Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council.

Bolton
Event venue
Albert Halls Bolton

A colonnaded neoclassical Victorian town hall, now hosting comedy, dance, music and pantomime shows, right in the heart of Bolton.

Bolton
Theatre
The Victoria Hall

The Victoria Hall in Bolton is a beautiful entertainment venue which showcases theatre amongst much other live-entertainment.

Atherton
Restaurant
The Snug

The Snug is a grassroots live music venue in Atherton, serving fresh coffee, craft ale and a smart range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Manchester
Restaurant
Listo Burrito

Listo Burrito on Manchester’s Oxford Street tempts busy diners with fresh ingredients and a modestly priced menu.

Hop and Hazlewood
Tyldesley
Bar or Pub
Hop and Hazlewood

Hop and Hazlewood is a craft beer and gin joint in the heart of Tyldesley, a short trip out of Manchester.

Culture Guides

GROVE
Music in the North

We’re championing all things underground this month, with a selection of gigs and festivals that embrace the strange.

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.

Cinema in the North

Street art, LGBTQ+ History Month, and the first film festivals of the year are amongst our cinema highlights this month.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Feminist farce, a magical circus show and Oldham Coliseum return with a brand-new off-site show. All in our latest theatre guide.

Mohair Man, 1991, by Dave Swindells
Exhibitions in the North

Cinematic sets, 90s nightclub photography and even new gallery - we have a great mix of exhibitions for you this month.

Good Fridaze Family Social at Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

As we edge towards spring we take a look at the best events and activities for families, from theatre to festivals, dinosaur adventures to family raves.

Poet Evan Jones
Literature Events in the North

Some of our favourite leftfield live literature regulars are back with their first events of the year – we’ve picked a weird and wonderful heap we think you’ll love.