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

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

A woman sits in a car with hands holding the steering wheel.
Cinema in the North

Vintage Alfred Hitchcock and a family friendly film festival are amongst our highlights this May.

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Tours and Activities in the North

We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.

Sextile
Music in the North

The outsiders, the oddities and the outrageous – we’re keeping it weird with a hot new batch of underground gigs about to hit Manchester, Leeds, and Liverpool.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Dynamic dance, party-performance, high-energy stand-up and a site-specific show set in a pub. All this and more in our newest theatre guide.

A large sphere floats in a dark room with an ornate wall pattern, flanked by two arched windows and a checkered floor.
Exhibitions in the North

From precarious ceramics to photography festivals, spring is here and brings with it a breath of fresh air in visual art and exhibitions.

Okechukwu Nzelu
Literature Events in the North

If it's inspiring, inclusive events and avant-garde, experimental afternoons you're after, look no further than live literature this spring – we've got you covered.