WHAT'S ON AT THE OCTAGON THEATRE, BOLTON
What's On at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Octagon Theatre Bolton is an award-winning venue in the heart of Bolton that opened in 1967. The Octagon Theatre makes, shares, produces, and welcomes an array of popular theatre shows and experiences from classic plays, musicals, comedy, new work, reimagining’s, and premier events. The capacity in the main theatre is up to 390.
The Octagon Theatre Bolton was the first professional flexible theatre in the UK. It proudly works in partnership with the local community to provide numerous opportunities to get involved. With local business woman and CBE Sue Hodgkiss as a Patron and University Of Bolton as their Principal sponsor, the Octagon Theatre truly embodies all aspects of Bolton.
The Octagon has played a pivotal role in many careers, such as Danny Boyle, Vanessa Kirby, Fiona Shaw, Kwame Kwei-Armah, Es Devlin and Maxine Peake. Productions, shows and events coming up include The Memory Of Water, Macbeth, Waiting For Godot, Teechers and the Christmas production for 2026/27, Cinderella. See what’s on at the Octagon Theatre Bolton below and book tickets online.
Octagon Theatre Bolton is an award-winning venue in the heart of Bolton that opened in 1967. The Octagon Theatre makes, shares, produces, and welcomes an array of popular theatre shows and experiences from classic plays, musicals, comedy, new work, reimagining’s, and premier events. The capacity in the main theatre is up to 390.
The Octagon Theatre Bolton was the first professional flexible theatre in the UK. It proudly works in partnership with the local community to provide numerous opportunities to get involved. With local business woman and CBE Sue Hodgkiss as a Patron and University Of Bolton as their Principal sponsor, the Octagon Theatre truly embodies all aspects of Bolton.
The Octagon has played a pivotal role in many careers, such as Danny Boyle, Vanessa Kirby, Fiona Shaw, Kwame Kwei-Armah, Es Devlin and Maxine Peake. Productions, shows and events coming up include The Memory Of Water, Macbeth, Waiting For Godot, Teechers and the Christmas production for 2026/27, Cinderella. See what’s on at the Octagon Theatre Bolton below and book tickets online.
Most Popular Shows and Events at Octagon Theatre, Bolton
What's On at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Teechers
The Theatre
Wednesday 13 - Saturday 16 May 2026
New Year. . . same problems! It is the end of term and Godber's hilarious comedy masterpiece has been reset for our post Covid times. bristling with teenage swagger and outlandish imagination, Salty, Gail and Hobby use their B. Tech Perform...Family Saturdays: Ages 3-5
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Saturday 16 May - Saturday 4 July 2026
This is one of two Family Saturdays groups. The second runs at a later time and is for children ages 5 to 7 - you can find more information here....Family Saturdays: Ages 5-7
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Saturday 16 May - Saturday 4 July 2026
This is one of two Family Saturdays groups. The second runs at an earlier time and is for children ages 3 to 5 - you can find more information here....Cassidy Janson Sings Carole King
The Theatre
Sunday 17 May 2026
"Cassidy literally brought me to tears this evening with her performance of Natural Woman. She was who I was, she felt what I felt. She was me!" - Carole King. Olivier award winner and leading lady Cassidy Janson honours the music of icon C...The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)
The Theatre
Tuesday 19 - Saturday 23 May 2026
The Theatre Chipping Norton and Selladoor Worldwide present a new version of the West End classic - rebooted and reimagined for 2026. All 37 plays. Three actors. One wildly funny show. The worldwide comedy hit returns with a brand-new, upda...Spitfire Girls
The Theatre
Tuesday 26 - Saturday 30 May 2026
INSPIRED BY REMARKABLE TRUE EVENTS"It's built for us, isn't it? The Spitfire. Built for women." New Year's Eve, 1959. Decades after answering the call, two women separated by the war meet again as the rain hammers down on the windows of ...Sharing Stories - We are a Community of Storytellers
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Tuesday 26 May 2026
Did you know stories are all around us?This half term, join us as we share tales from our communities in Bolton and how they connect us all. With stories from South Asian culture.?This will be an interactive storytelling session with arts a...Youth R&D (Research & Development)
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Tuesday 26 May 2026
Youth R&D: Are You Listening?This is your chance to help create a brand?new show!We?re looking for young creatives who are curious, passionate and ready to make theatre their way. Join us for a two?day Research & Development workshop where ...Sharing Stories - Become a Storyteller
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Wednesday 27 May 2026
Would you like to become a storyteller??This half term, we need your help to uncover a mysterious tale. By playing interactive drama games, the whole family will create characters and take them on unknown adventures.?Let?s build our imagina...The Bench: A Tale from Paradise Heights
The Studio
Thursday 28 - Saturday 30 May 2026
'Stephen King meets Jimmy McGovern' Gritty, urban comedy/drama with a rich vein of the supernaturalIt?s just a bench in the park, the one by the war memorial. A thief, a fake clairvoyant, a homeless man, two burglars, a street sweeper, two ...Sharing Stories - Music Makes a Story
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Thursday 28 May 2026
Have you ever thought about the story behind a song?This half term, explore how Music makes a story. Play instruments and sing along to the beat.?No music experience necessary, this is a session the whole family can jam together!...Murder For Two
The Theatre
Friday 5 - Saturday 27 June 2026
A hilarious fast-paced musical whodunit, Murder For Two is a madcap murder mystery with a twist. Two actors play thirteen characters... and the piano. They put the laughter into manslaughter! When famous novelist Arthur Whitney is found d...All The Single Ladies (Manchester)
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Friday 19 June 2026
Cath runs a Caf? in the market and every week she puts on ?Single Ladies Tuesday? where the local lonely hearts can come and try to find romance. Marilyn is one of these women who is lumbered with looking after her cantankerous and demandin...A Night To Remember Motown Show
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Friday 3 July 2026
Take a trip back to 1960s Detroit and be prepared for high energy and soulful vocal dynamics from show producer and director, Bizzi Dixon, The Voice UK finalist and West End Tour lead principal, harmoniously backed by the Motown Divas givin...Ben Hart
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Saturday 4 July 2026
Following sold-out shows around the world, The Remarkable Ben Hart returns with a brand-new show - his most astonishing and impossible yet. Prepare to have your reality rewritten with a brand-new mind-bending theatrical experience from t...
Thank You For The Music - ABBA
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Sunday 5 July 2026
Calling all Dancing Queens, this is your night to say, Thank you for the Music!This international smash-hit tribute show brings all ABBA?s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other. The hugely popular show, now in its 22nd ...Classy Birds Comedy
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Wednesday 8 July 2026
A line up of laugh out loud working class women headlined by the super talented and sharp witted Liverpudlian Lass Crissy Rock. Opened and hosted by a Boltonian belter, Maura Jackson.?...Diane's Deli: A Tale from Paradise Heights
The Studio
Thursday 9 - Saturday 11 July 2026
Following on from the fabulous success of the award winning The Haunting of Blaine Manor and The Bench: A Tale from Paradise Heights, Joe O'Byrne returns with the next tale in his critically acclaimed Supernatural meets Northern Noir ser...The Legend of Barry White
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Thursday 9 July 2026
THE ONLY UK TOURING SHOW DEDICATED TO THE MAESTRO AND LEGEND BARRY WHITE!Direct from the USA, a critically- acclaimed revue featuring the incredible vocalist William Hicks also known as ?the big man with the big voice? 100 million records s...The Magic of the Bee Gees - A Tribute to The Bee Gees
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Saturday 11 July 2026
Direct from London's West End. Whether you're a brother or whether you're a mother, when the feeling's gone and you can't go on, it's time to put on your dancing shoes, for the night out of the year you have been waiting for to celebrate th...Reginald D Hunter + Emmanuel Sonubi + Andre Vincent
The Theatre
Sunday 12 July 2026
Reginald D Hunter Since his arrival in the UK Reginald's searingly honest observations both onstage and on TV have garnered him a cross-generational fan base. During that time, he has become one of the comedy industry's best-known performer...Bolton Comedy Walking Tour
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Sunday 12 July 2026
After a successful response in 2024 the Bolton's History of Comedy Walk returns this year for another two rambles. Yes, an hour walk of the town while chronicling the comedy moments of days gone by: city landmarks associated with major even...Ed Byrne
The Theatre
Monday 13 July 2026
Irish comic Ed Byrne is heading out on tour in 2027 with a new show provisionally titled "No Dramas" A TV household name, appearing on Mock The Week (BBC), Top Gear (BBC), QI (BBC),Live At The Apollo (BBC) and The Pilgrimage (BBC), the I...Rachel Fairburn + Harry Stachini
The Theatre
Wednesday 15 July 2026
A comedy headline double bill. Following her hugely successful 'Side Eye' tour, Rachel Fairburn (BBC Two's Live at the Apollo, All Killa No Filla) is heading out on her new 'Vexy Beasts' UK tour from 3rd October 2026. Come join her as she w...Lucy Beaumont
The Theatre
Thursday 16 July 2026
Lucy Beaumont has had quite the year. She lost a contestant £79,000 on The Wheel, forgot to revise for Mastermind, and generally confirmed she's terrible at quiz shows. So she's sticking with what she does best - this autumn, she's back ...Jess Robinson - Elton Reimagined
The Theatre
Friday 17 July 2026
Elton John's greatest hits are reimagined by multi award-winning comedian and singer Jess Robinson (Radio 4's Dead Ringers, Channel 4's The Last Leg), renowned for her pitch-perfect impressions. Channeling a variety of legendary female ar...Lucy Porter
The Theatre
Friday 17 July 2026
Lucy Porter has been an Edinburgh Fringe favourite for over 20 years. She's appeared on countless TV shows including QI, Live at the Apollo and Would I Lie to You, as well as being a regular on Radio 4's News Quiz, The Unbelievable Truth...Fingers on Buzzers
The Theatre
Saturday 18 July 2026
A live recording of the popular podcast Fingers on Buzzers from comedian and keen amateur quizzer Lucy Porter, alongside The Chase's very own Jenny Ryan. Whether you're a Pointless armchair aficionado, nostalgic for the days of Going for Go...Justin Moorhouse & (Actual) Friends - Answer Any Question
The Theatre
Saturday 18 July 2026
A brilliantly chaotic mix of stand-up, improv and quick-fire comedy, this is a show where absolutely anything can happen. Hosted by the effortlessly funny Justin Moorhouse - one of the UK's most beloved comedians, known for his warm charm, ...Bolton Comedy Festival - Big Improv Show
The Theatre
Sunday 19 July 2026
The Big Improv Show - the improvised comedy show exclusive to the Bolton Comedy Festival returns, starring a cast of award-winning comedic talent once more. Rufus Hound, Suki Webster, Justin Moorhouse and Sally Hodgkiss will be joining forc...
Murder, She Didn't Write
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Monday 20 - Tuesday 21 July 2026
Don your deerstalker, grab your magnifying glass and get your 'finger of suspicion' at the ready because Edinburgh Fringe favourites, Degrees of Error, are bringing back their multiple sell-out show for your sleuthing pleasure. They'll crea...James Phelan
The Theatre
Wednesday 22 July 2026
Dare to believe in magic and step into a world where the impossible comes alive! Star of The Greatest Magician, and the BBC's most broadcast magician of the last decade - the award-winning James Phelan - is back with a completely new breath...Summer School 2026
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Monday 27 July 2026
SUPPORTED PLACES?As a charity, we strive to keep our fees at an affordable cost so as many people as possible can take part. We also offer installment payment options to help participants spread the cost of fees. We are sometimes able to of...The Trials
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Thursday 20 - Saturday 22 August 2026
Set in the near future, The Trials explores a world where the climate emergency has reached a tipping point - and an entire generation is being held to account. In this imagined courtroom, the jurors are teenagers, tasked with deciding resp...Faulty Towers The Dining Experience
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Saturday 29 August 2026
MENUStarterRoasted tomato soupMain Course (choose at the time of booking)Sirloin of beeforThyme pan-roasted chicken breastorPressed & glazed veg terrine (v)DessertChocolate delice, black cherry & Kirsch coulis...James Martin Cookery Demo with Q&A
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Saturday 29 August 2026
James Martin is back for Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2026!On Saturday 29th August, James will be helping us to celebrate our 21st birthday in style by serving up 3 live cookery demos and sharing some of his best recipes and cooking tips....East is East
The Theatre
Friday 4 September - Saturday 3 October 2026
The 30th anniversary production of Ayub Khan Din's modern classic, a story about identity, generational conflict, and the messy, unbreakable bonds of family. Salford, 1971. The Khan family are living above a chip shop and on the fault line ...Tez Ilyas
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Sunday 20 September 2026
The grumpiest uncle in showbiz is back. Blackburn-born British-Pakistani comedian Tez Ilyas is one of the most most celebrated stars in British comedy, and Sunday Times best selling author (Secret Diary ofa British Muslim Aged 13 3⁄4) ...Calendar Girls The Musical
The Theatre
Thursday 8 - Saturday 31 October 2026
Based on the play Calendar Girls, written by Tim Firth and on the motion picture written by Tim Firth and Juliette Towhidi, Paul Robinson directs Tim Firth and Gary Barlow's musical in a new production. The death of a much loved husband pr...
The Highwayman
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Tuesday 3 - Saturday 7 November 2026
The Highwayman is waiting, and there is no escape. It's 1769 and Yorkshire's population has exploded, the races at York are packed, the new theatre in Hull is thriving, and the Spa towns are full. Everyone is flocking north, every ale hous...Cinderella
The Theatre
Friday 20 November 2026 - Saturday 9 January 2027
Cinderella: A Fairytale brings this well-loved classic tale bang up to date with a funny, high-energy show that will be a real crowd pleaser for the whole family. When Ella's father remarries, her world turns upside down. She escapes from h...Sammy the Snowman's Christmas Surprise
The Studio
Wednesday 9 - Thursday 24 December 2026
Sammy the Snowman is bored of the freezing North Pole. He dreams of sunshine, sand, and a holiday in the sun! But when a snowman heads somewhere hot, things might get a little... melty! Will Sammy's big adventure end in disaster, or will Ch...An Evening with Jeff Stelling
The Theatre
Thursday 21 January 2027
An Evening With The MAN OF FOOTBALL - Jeff Stelling. Live and in person, coming to us for an exclusive night of sports stories, banter, no-holds-barred insights and charity work updates. From the kind of football commentary straight to you,...Money For Nothing - Dire Straits Tribute Show
The Theatre
Friday 22 January 2027
Money For Nothing is a tribute to the Dire Straits like no other before. Prepare to be captivated by the authentic sounds of one of the most successful rock bands of all time. A show of the highest quality, meticulous attention is paid to...
Romeo and Juliet
The Theatre
Thursday 4 - Saturday 27 February 2027
Don't miss this moving and unforgettable production of William Shakespeare's iconic tragedy, revealing the beauty of young love and the devastating cost of endless conflict. Two families at war. Two lovers caught in the crossfire. One story...How to get to the Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Octagon Theatre Frequently Asked Questions
Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB
The nearest car park is the NCP Octagon located on Great Moor Street, BL1 1SN.
The nearest train station to the Octagon Theatre, Bolton is Bolton Station. It is approximately a 7 minute walk. Click here to view.
The capacity of the Octagon Theatre, Bolton is up to 390. Seating plans can be viewed upon booking tickets.
If you have lost your ticket for a show at The Octagon Theatre, please contact the Octagon Theatre directly so their team can assist you.
If you would like to buy a ticket in person from the Octagon Theatre Box Office, they are open Tues - Fri 11am - 5pm and Saturdays 11am - 3.30pm. On performance days, the box office stays open until the performance starts. Alternatively, you can see what's on and book online here.
When we know of a duration of a show, we add it to the description of the show on our event pages. For example, on our Wicked event page, after the description of the show we have added the duration of the show in large capital letters. If the time isn't listed, we do not have the information yet. We update our pages daily so it maybe a case of knowing closer to the performance itself, so keep checking.
Please click here for further information on Access at the Octagon Theatre, including contact details.
Whether you have positive or negative feedback you would like to feedback to the Octagon Theatre, please click here for ways to get in touch.
If you have lost an item during a visit to the Octagon Theatre, click here for ways to get in touch with the team, who will do their best to assist you.
There are plenty of great places to eat in Bolton, including the Octagon Kitchen & Bar situated in the Octagon venue for pre theatre dining.
Bolton has many bars, and the Octagon theatre has it's own pre theatre bars, so why not make a night of it there. Click here for further information.
Either use the map at the side of the FAQ section as it has all types of accomodation or click here for hotels in Bolton
If you need the Octagon Theatre team for more support, click here for ways to get in touch.
Please note that ManchesterTheatres.com isn't the venue itself. We promote what's on at the Octagon Theatre and all other venues in Manchester and the local region. Feel free to contact us if you need more help though and we'll do our best to support you.
Most Popular Shows and Events at Octagon Theatre, Bolton
