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
Sherlock Holmes and the Hunt for Moriarty
The Theatre
Thursday 2 - Saturday 4 April 2026
"When you have one of the first brains of Europe up against you, and all the powers of darkness at his back, there are infinite possibilities" London, 1901. As the British Empire wages war in the name of a Queen whose health is failing, a s...Bridges Company Thursday
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Thursday 2 - Thursday 23 April 2026
If you're new to the group, please speak to a member of the team before completing your booking so that we can ensure you're fully supported during the sessions. You can email us via participation@octagonbolton. co. uk or call us on 01204 5...There's a Monster in Your Show
The Theatre
Tuesday 7 - Wednesday 8 April 2026
Tom Fletcher's interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved 'Who's in Your Book?' series makes its debut as a brand-new musical show. A group of performers are preparing to start their show, but...Bubble Show 2 - More Bubbles
The Theatre
Thursday 9 April 2026
The Bubble Show 2 - More Bubbles!A magical journey through the Legends of Bubbleland From the creator of The Bubble Show® comes a dazzling new adventure full of bubble artistry and visual magic!Journey through the awe-inspiring legends of ...Sisters 360
The Theatre
Friday 10 April 2026
Sisters 360 is a funny, heartfelt and high-energy new play written by Asif Khan, inspired by the real-life "Hijabi Sisters" from Hull - three skateboard-loving siblings who have challenged stereotypes and inspired countless others, followin...The Utterly Revolting Science Show
The Theatre
Saturday 11 April 2026
Brace yourselves for the Rude Science team's hilarious, high-tech, highly-explosive new journey through the human body, packed with burp biology, fart physics and revolting edible chemistry. Expect enormous bottoms, edible fireworks, burp m...Waiting for Godot
The Theatre
Wednesday 15 April - Saturday 2 May 2026
Matthew Kelly and George Costigan star in a new staging of Samuel Beckett's classic play - in which absolutely nothing happens. Â Â Set in a shifting, timeless landscape, Waiting for Godot follows two men, Vladimir and Estragon, as they wa...FUN with Barbara Nice
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Friday 17 April 2026
5-star award-winning entertainment from the tip-top Queen of Comedy. In Barbra Streisand?s recent autobiography, she says: "I haven't had much fun in my life, to tell you the truth. And I want to have more fun."?Join ordinary housewife extr...Awaaz Yoga & Wellbeing Workshop
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Saturday 18 April 2026
Facilitator - Priya Narsai-Punam, Sa Jiva YogaPriya is a certified Health & Happiness Coach, Yoga Teacher, and Meditation Guide with over 17 years? experience teaching yoga and supporting people to thrive and shine.?I am truly honoured to b...Mark Steel
The Theatre
Sunday 19 April 2026
Multi award-winning, BAFTA-nominated writer and comedian Mark Steel returns with his new tour The Leopard in My House. The topic? His battle with throat cancer. A battle he is winning (thankfully) and which only his rapier wit could fash...Youth Theatre Taster Session
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Tuesday 21 - Saturday 25 April 2026
 Aged between 7 and 17 and want to find out more about the Octagon's Youth Theatre sessions? Then try this FREE taster session ahead of the next term. The weekly youth theatre sessions support young people to develop drama skills, work wi...Bridges Company Wednesday
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Wednesday 22 April 2026
If you're new to the group, please speak to a member of the team before completing your booking so that we can ensure you're fully supported during the sessions. You can email us via participation@octagonbolton. co. uk or call us on 01204 5...Bridges Youth Theatre
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Wednesday 22 April 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...Social Theatre
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Wednesday 22 April 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...Family Saturdays: Ages 3-5
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Saturday 25 April - 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 25 April - 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....Manchester Vocal Ensemble
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Saturday 25 April 2026
Experience the power of voices like you?ve never heard before. Join Manchester Vocal Ensemble, one of the city?s most exciting vocal groups, for an electrifying evening where iconic songs are transformed through spine-tingling vocal harmony...The Angry Brigade
The Studio
Friday 1 - Saturday 2 May 2026
Set in 1970s Britain during a period of Tory cuts, high unemployment, and increasing inequality, focusing on the hunt for the anarchist group "The Angry Brigade" by a special police squad. The play contrasts the contrasting perspectives of ...Teechers
The Theatre
Tuesday 5 - 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...WiFi Wars
The Studio
Saturday 9 May 2026
WiFi Wars returns with the live comedy game show where you all play along!Log in with your smartphone or tablet and compete in a range of games, puzzles and quizzes to win the show, and prizes! Hosted by comedian Steve McNeil (team captain ...Cassidy Janson: The Songs of 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 Join Olivier award winner and leading lady Cassidy Janson as she honours the music...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. Â Decades after answering the call, two women separated by the war meet again as the rain hammers down on the windows of ...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 ...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
A Night To Remember: Motown Show takes you back in time to 1960?s Detroit. Be prepared for a high energy show, packed with the greatest Motown hits of all time. Starring The Voice UK finalist, Bizzi Dixon, and backed by the soulful vocal dy...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 ...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...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...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....Tez Ilyas: Tez Things I Hate About You
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Sunday 20 September 2026
The grumpiest uncle in showbiz is back. Fresh from travelling the world (and smashing it as a top husband and bunny-stepdad), the ?UK?s leading de-influencer returns with a brand-new stand-up show. Expect fresh jokes, ?furious rants, and ri...
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...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...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.
