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 Dracula, Pride & Prejudice, Private Lives, King Arthur, Snake in the Grass, and the festive production, A Christmas Carol. 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 Dracula, Pride & Prejudice, Private Lives, King Arthur, Snake in the Grass, and the festive production, A Christmas Carol. 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
The 39 Steps
The Theatre
Wednesday 30 April - Saturday 10 May 2025
Brilliantly bonkers and hilarious adaptation of Hitchcock's iconic thriller. Follow the dashing Richard Hannay as he embarks on a thrilling adventure filled with daring antics, romantic encounters and ghastly murders. Get set for a whirlwin...Family Saturdays
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Saturday 3 May - Saturday 13 December 2025
Join us at the Octagon on selected Saturday mornings for FREE family storytelling sessions, sharing stories in creative ways to spark imaginations! There will be a small soft play area for families with little ones under 4....Egging (Script-in-Hand Rehearsal)
The Studio
Friday 9 May 2025
A script-in-hand rehearsed reading of Adam Kotwal's brand new play, Egging. This is a work in progress piece supported by the Octagon Theatre, followed by a Q&A session with the writer and creative team. Haris is on the run from his friends...Irish Annie's
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Sunday 11 May 2025
 Starring Ricky Tomlinson as Scouse Jim and Samantha Alton as Irish Annie, Asa Murphy's new musical play celebrates the best of Irish culture, from the music to the comedy. Meet landlady Annie and her regular madcap customers for a fun n...Frankenstein (On A Budget)
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Wednesday 14 May 2025
One man, one monster, one glorious dream tosinglehandedly tell the most famous cult horror story of all time, andabsolutely no budget whatsoever. What could possibly go wrong?Frankenstein (On a Budget) features one actor,some decidedly dodg...Murder, She Didn't Write
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Thursday 15 May 2025
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...The All or Nothing Experience - The Story Of The Small Faces
The Theatre
Friday 16 - Saturday 17 May 2025
After three sell out tours and a successful West End run of All or Nothing - the Mod Musical, writer Carol Harrison and the show's multi-talented cast, perform the new, All Or Nothing Experience Concert Show, celebrating the music of the...Afloat
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Saturday 17 May 2025
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be born into a country where your safety was at risk?Afloat is a theatre for social change performance, following the journey of two English citizens seeking asylum in a fictional place, fight...Cake Decorating Workshop
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Saturday 17 May 2025
This is a basic beginner friendly session. Shamim will introduce you to the art of decorating cupcakes with sugar paste using moulds, cutters and templates. Come along and create your own unique cakes to take away and enjoy or gift to frien...Octagon Comedy Club
The Studio
Sunday 18 May 2025
After sell-out shows, the Octagon Comedy Club is back for even more laughs! Join us one Friday a month and enjoy a hilarious night of live stand-up from some of the best names in comedy. To see who is performing, more details can be found h...Dracula
The Theatre
Wednesday 21 - Saturday 24 May 2025
A powerful stage adaptation of Bram Stoker's gothic classic The time is 1897. Mankind is on the cusp of vast technological change, scientific mastery and media innovation. But poised between traditional beliefs, the threat of the unknown an...Justin Moorhouse
The Theatre
Sunday 25 May 2025
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as Justin returns with "The Greatest Performance of My Life". After a successful and extensively extended tour of his 2022 show Stretch and Think (which you can catch in full on YouTube), he's back ...Family Craft Morning
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Tuesday 27 May 2025
Join us at the Octagon this May half term for a FREE family craft morning. Drop in between 10am and 12pm for arts, crafts and lots of fun!Let's grow our imaginations as we make our own books and think up stories by creating your own magical...Family Storytelling Sessions
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Wednesday 28 May 2025
Join us at the Octagon this May half term for a FREE storytelling adventure. Our Story Makers performances allow children to enjoy wonderful tales, told by a storyteller, where families our taken on an interactive adventure where musical mo...Story Inventors
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Thursday 29 May 2025
Would you like to invent your very own story? 5-10-year-olds are invited to join the Octagon Theatre to explore their imagination through drama and creative play to become a Story Inventor! This is an exciting opportunity for children to ta...Pride & Prejudice
The Theatre
Thursday 5 - Saturday 28 June 2025
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage When it comes to the subject of marriage, headstrong Lizzy Bennet is determined to resist the mounting pressures and expectations from society. But can she resist l...Nanna Mo's Botox and Bum Lifts
The Studio
Friday 13 June 2025
From MaD Theatre Company, the producers of "Nanna's OnlyFans Film", "Nanna Mo's Botox and Bum Lifts" promises to be a hilarious look at how the baby boomer generation is trying to keep up with the modern world. After doing an online course ...Theatre Club: Pride and Prejudice
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Saturday 28 June 2025
Theatre Club is a chance to chat about Octagon productions in a relaxed and informal discussion group. In our June meeting, we'll be discussing Pride and Prejudice. If you would like any further information please contact participation@octa...The Upbeat Beatles
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Friday 4 - Saturday 5 July 2025
Did you miss The Beatles first time around? Don't miss them now!The Upbeat Beatles are a rockin' band with tight musicianship and powerhouse vocals! You'll be jumping from the word go! There isn't a band to touch them - 8 bars of Twist an...Phil Chapman
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Sunday 6 July 2025
With millions of views online, Phil Chapman has made his name as one of the top MCs in the country, combining killer topical jokes with his razor sharp wit. Following on from his debut tour and two sell out shows, Phil brings his new show F...A Night To Remember Motown Show
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Saturday 19 July 2025
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...James Martin Cookery Demo
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Monday 25 August 2025
Mr Food and Drink, James Martin returns to Bolton Food & Drink Festival for his 14th year to teach you some brand new recipes! James Martin made a great impact with his television debut in November '96 and has rarely been off screen since....Private Lives
The Theatre
Thursday 4 - Saturday 27 September 2025
LOVE AND CHAOS COLLIDE IN NOEL COWARD'S TIMELESS COMEDY Amanda and Elyot are charming, rich, utterly reckless - and divorced. When they meet unexpectedly on the first night of their honeymoons with new partners, in the balmy moonlight of th...Theatre Club: Private Lives
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Saturday 27 September 2025
Theatre Club is a chance to chat about Octagon productions in a relaxed and informal discussion group. In our September meeting, we'll be discussing Private Lives. If you would like any further information please contact participation@octag...Su Pollard - Still Fully Charged
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Sunday 28 September 2025
Su Pollard: Still Fully Charged celebrates Su?s 50 years in show business in a one-woman variety show packed with fabulous songs, hilarious stories, and much-loved characters. In a flurry of costumes, props, and live musical accompaniment, ...King Arthur
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Tuesday 30 September - Saturday 4 October 2025
Award-winning funny men, Le Navet Bete, return to the stage with a a brand-new laugh-out-loud show for theatre. This hilarious retelling of the Arthurian legends, suitable for the whole family, will have audiences crying with laughter and b...WiFi Wars
The Studio
Saturday 4 October 2025
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 ...Snake in the Grass
The Theatre
Thursday 9 - Saturday 25 October 2025
A darkly comic thriller about family, secrets and manipulation. Annabel returns home after the death of her cruel father. Reunited with her sister Miriam, the siblings bicker as buried truths resurface. Tensions grow when his former nurse ...Theatre Club: Snake in the Grass
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Saturday 25 October 2025
Theatre Club is a chance to chat about Octagon productions in a relaxed and informal discussion group. In our October meeting, we'll be discussing Snake in the Grass. If you would like any further information please contact participation@oc...James Phelan - The Man Who Was Magic
The Theatre
Sunday 26 October 2025
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...Black Tie Ball
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Wednesday 29 October - Saturday 1 November 2025
It's the glitziest night of the year, and everyone wants to be there, from the great to the good. The Bentleys are parked, the Jazz band has arrived, and the magician is magic, so pick up your invite for this fundraising frenzy. But behind ...1985 Black Ball Final 40th Anniversary
The Theatre
Sunday 2 November 2025
Come and join Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor as they recreate the match that gripped a nation - the 1985 World Snooker Final. A record-breaking 18.5m TV viewers stayed up to watch the legendary match and this is your chance to see the r...A Christmas Carol
The Theatre
Thursday 13 November 2025 - Saturday 10 January 2026
A joyful stage adaptation of the festive classic Whilst Christmas cheer and goodwill thrive across Victorian England, tight-fisted Ebenezer Scrooge goes to bed on Christmas Eve with no compassion or love in his heart. However, that night he...Mrs Claus Saves Christmas
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Wednesday 10 - Wednesday 24 December 2025
Step into Mrs Claus' kitchen for a festive bake-off like no other! As she prepares holiday treats, things spiral into a recipe-tangling disaster. With everything going wrong, she'll need help from the children in the audience! A fun-filled,...Reflections - The Musical Legacy of Diana Ross
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Friday 27 February 2026
Starring multi-award winning Tameka Jackson as Diana Ross with her world class band & backing vocalists under the direction of the renowned, Wendy Richardson? ?Reflections ~ The Musical Legacy of Diana Ross? takes you on a journey through s...Mark Simmons
The Theatre
Sunday 1 March 2026
 Winner of Dave's Funniest Joke of the Fringe Award 2024 and as Seen on Mock The Week, BT Sport and ITV, 'Master of one-liners' Mark Simmons had a groundbreaking 200+ date sell out debut tour lasting two years, spanning the UK, Ireland...Macbeth
The Theatre
Wednesday 4 - Saturday 28 March 2026
Shakespeare's iconic tragedy is brought to life in a powerful new production. In a country ravaged by war and rebellion, a fragile peace has finally broken out across an exhausted amd wounded land. Macbeth, returning from battle, meets thr...Theatre Club: Macbeth
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Saturday 28 March 2026
Theatre Club is a chance to chat about Octagon productions in a relaxed and informal discussion group. In our March 2026 meeting, we'll be discussing Macbeth. If you would like any further information please contact participation@octagonbol...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
