Octagon Theatre

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

Visit now

Octagon Theatre

01204 520661
  • 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.

Octagon Theatre Bolton
Image courtesy Bolton Octagon
Book now

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.

What's on at Octagon Theatre

A Christmas Carol at Bolton Octagon
Until
FamiliesBolton
A Christmas Carol

Bringing music, laughter and a welcome dose of festive cheer, a brand-new adaptation of the Dickensian classic is the perfect festive treat for families this Christmas.

From £15.00

What's on near Octagon Theatre

A Christmas Carol at Bolton Octagon
Until
FamiliesBolton
A Christmas Carol

Bringing music, laughter and a welcome dose of festive cheer, a brand-new adaptation of the Dickensian classic is the perfect festive treat for families this Christmas.

From £15.00

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 doll with makeup peeks out of a hanging wall of butter yellow fabric. Red and black threads descend and cascade around the doll.
Exhibitions in the North

This season, exhibitions across the North West feel attuned to the world beneath the world – the forces and stories shaping how we see, feel and imagine.

Music in the North

Manchester’s starting the new year with a run of gigs from some of the country’s best underground exports.

A performer in a bright red costume sits on a snowy stage set, holding a large snowball between their legs with a surprised expression. The colourful winter backdrop features snowflakes, hills, a snowman, and a traffic light with glowing lights.
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

Textured portrait image of Jarman
Theatre in the North

Theatre across the North West splits between festive escape and sharp, urgent work exploring politics, power and resistance.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.

Food and Drink in the North

Hear ye, hear ye. Take some eating-out tips from our wintertime guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.