Octagon Theatre Bolton 2016 Season Brochure by Octagon Theatre Bolton

JANUARY-AUGUST 2016 Bolton

octagon

Box offiCe 01204 520661 www.oCtagonBoLton.Co.uk

MaJor ParTnEr

PrinciPal PaTron

Sue HodgkiSS, CBe dL

PrinciPal SPonSor

6 1 02

WE ARE PROUD OF BOLTON. WE ARE PROUD OF BOLTON’S PEOPLE. WE STRIVE TO MAKE BOLTON PROUD OF US. For those of you I haven’t been lucky enough to meet yet, my name is Elizabeth. I am your new Artistic Director and it’s an honour to serve you. Bolton is an extraordinary town because of its great people. In the coming years we want to celebrate our loyal audiences and reach out to new audiences that we have yet to meet. We want the Octagon Theatre to be a place for everyone, for all the people of Bolton and new visitors who we will welcome to the town. Everybody really is welcome. Help us spread the word! From April 2016, the Octagon will make more work for children and young people. You can bring your young children here to listen to stories in our new regular Storyplay sessions. These stories have been suggested by audiences, participants and staﬀ members - make sure you tell us what you would like to see. We will premiere The Macbeth Curse, a brand new play by Terry Deary, writer of the wonderful Horrible Histories books. The Macbeth Curse will be performed in our Studio Theatre, but we will also be taking it into schools - so let us know if you would like us to visit you!

Elizabeth Newman Octagon Artistic Director

As well as new work, we can also look forward to John Osborne’s landmark drama Look Back in Anger, a collaboration with Derby Theatre. Inspired by Osborne, and many other great playwrights, we launch our ﬁrst National Octagon Prize. An exceptional panel of judges will support us to select the dramas that we will produce in 2017.

In the New Year we will also open our Studio doors to new artists, companies and theatre makers. We will present over ﬁfteen exciting new works in our ﬁrst Reveal season in June. This compliments our production of the classic musical Singin’ in the Rain; a sensational musical that celebrates truth, art and love.

We will produce our ﬁrst young people’s production in our main auditorium in the summer. The Secret Garden will be performed by 100 local young people who will be supported by a team of actors, myself and the rest of the new Artistic Team to present a brand new adaptation of this great story of love, family and friendship.

Next year we hope you’ll join us for our Octagon Dinner Party, a festival of South Asian Arts events. More details to be announced soon!

We are now collaborating with the National Theatre, hosting an NT Connections Partner Festival in May in which we will present seven contemporary plays performed by eight companies of young people. These dramas were commissioned by the National Theatre especially for young audiences, but can be enjoyed by all ages.

Food also inspires our ﬁrst Octagon Pleasure Beach. We will transform our main auditorium into a gigantic seaside resort for the entire family to enjoy free theatrical events during the Bolton Food and Drink Festival. You’ll also be able to catch our feminist Fairy Tales on Foot happening all over Bolton, as we take theatre out onto the streets. An outside production will even be happening in Bolton’s favourite chippy, the Olympus Fish and Chip Shop in May 2016. We don’t just perform plays for our audiences; you can come in and take part. We want your ideas and your experiences. We want to hear from you!

THE OCTAGON PEOPLE’S THEATRE

The Octagon Theatre was built for the people of Bolton and we want to welcome more and more of the community into the Theatre to take part. Through all of our events, groups and activities we want to inspire more people to experience theatre and be more creative themselves. We create theatre in the belief that it can enrich our communities and fundamentally change people's lives for the better. Please come and participate in your theatre - you might be surprised by some of the things that you can do here. There aren’t just events inside the Theatre; we work with individuals and groups of all ages to create stimulating, challenging, and culturally relevant artistic programmes that encourage creativity and nurture a love of theatre. The Artistic Team lead a range of projects at the Octagon Theatre and across the region in schools and community venues. There are so many ways to get involved at the Octagon, here are just a few: ● ● ● ● ● ●

Youth Theatre Community Projects Workshops Writer and Artist Development Volunteering Education

To ﬁnd find out more call 01204 556501 or visit www.octagonbolton.co.uk and click on ‘Get Involved’. I hope to see you soon, do say hello the next time you’re here. Elizabeth x

Photo credits: John Haynes, Ray Jefferson, Bolton Camera Club, Zoe Keenan, Chris Tofalos

AlreAdy A 2015/16 SeASon TickeT holder? Add LOOK BACK IN ANGER And SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN AT A reduced loyAlTy rATe!

PLATINUM GOLD ADD ON ADD ON add Look Back in Anger and Singin’ in the Rain for £42

add Look Back in Anger and Singin’ in the Rain for £32

only available to 2015/16 Platinum Season ticket holders.

only available to 2015/16 gold Season ticket holders.

any performance, free parking, free programmes, 10% off food and non-alcoholic drinks in café eight, 10% off drinks in the bar, added value offers, priority booking, best available seats, flexibility to change dates, transferable to family and friends.

any performance excluding the final Saturday evening performance, discounted programmes, 10% off food and non-alcoholic drinks in café eight, added value offers, priority booking, best available seats, flexibility to change dates, transferable to family and friends.

MAKE GREAT SAVINGS WITH AN OCTAGON SEASON TICKET!

The beST SeATS AT A frAcTion of The price! With an octagon Season Ticket you make significant savings on the price of your tickets as well as enjoying some great benefits. as a Season Ticket holder you can secure the best available seats during an early booking period before tickets go on general sale, there is flexibility to change dates at any time, and the option to transfer tickets to family and friends free of charge. You will also benefit from discounted Studio Theatre offers throughout the season. ● ● ●

● ●

Two Two 2 Martha, Josie and the chinese elvis look back in Anger Singin’ in the rain

NEW 2016 5 SHOW SEASON TICKETS 5 SHOW PLATINUM

5 SHOW GOLD

3 SHOW SILVER

all 5 shows for £115

all 5 shows for £90

any 3 shows for £60

any performance excluding Saturday evenings, discounted programmes, 10% off food and non-alcoholic drinks in café eight, added value offers, priority booking, best available seats, flexibility to change dates, transferable to family and friends.

2016 SEASON TICKET

add the Bfg for just £16

Thu 7 – Sat 30 April 2016

“I doubt if I could love anyone who did not wish to see Look Back in Anger.” The Observer on Look Back in Anger at the Royal Court, 1956 In a cramped flat in 1950’s Derby, Jimmy Porter is angry, bored, and frustrated with the limitations of life and increasing political decay. He finds release for his pent-up emotions by attacking his upper class wife Alison, whose loyalty to her husband is seemingly at odds with his cruelty towards her. The couple’s close friend Cliff provides the sounding board that they both so desperately need to gain perspective on their tragic, co-dependent relationship. Jimmy Porter embodies the frustrations of a generation of working class men yearning for something they never had - lamenting the fact that “there aren’t any good, brave causes left”. A celebration of linguistic vigour, John Osborne’s seminal play changed the way theatre presented working class voices on stage, coining the phrase ‘angry young men’ to describe an entire generation of disillusioned artists and working class young men in postWorld War Two British society. 2016 marks the 60th anniversary of Look Back In Anger which was first staged at the Royal Court Theatre in 1956. In 1959 it was brought to life on film by a cast of iconic and charismatic actors, including Richard Burton and Mary Ure.

Octagon Theatre Bolton and Derby Theatre present

Performance times Evenings: 7.30pm 5pm performance: Mon 18 apr 2pm matinees: Sat 16, Sat 23, Wed 27 apr ticket Prices £27 – £10.50 Discounts available including SEaSon TicKETS, groups, schools and young person’s £6 tickets. See page 30 for full list of discounts. auditorium seating plan

Special diary dates Bargain nights: Thu 7, Fri 8, Mon 11 apr (tickets £17.50 – £10.50) Meet the director and cast: Fri 8 apr (free, post show) audio described: Thu 14 apr, 7.30pm BSL: Wed 20 apr, 7.30pm Captioned Performance: Thu 28 apr, 7.30pm The spoken word displayed on a unit to give access for deaf, deafened and hard of hearing customers.

box oﬃce: 01204 520661 www.octagonbolton.co.uk 7

Don’t miss the chance to see one of the most breathtaking musicals of all time, live on stage at the Octagon Theatre. Silent movie stars Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are riding high on success, loved by audiences and studio execs alike - but not each other! Linked romantically to heighten their popularity, the couple could not be more different. The introduction of a new era of ‘talkies’ is about to set the pair even more at odds - spelling disaster for Lina, whose vocal range leaves a lot to be desired. Desperate for the box office favourites to remain at the height of popularity, a talented chorus girl, Kathy, is brought in to provide Lina’s audio, setting off a series of events that no movie exec could have scripted… Made famous by the stunning tap dance routines, memorable music, and on-screen chemistry between silver screen legends Debbie Reynolds and Gene Kelly, Singin in the Rain will be performed in all of its technicolour glory, featuring live music, dance, and, of course, rain! Featuring all of your favourite songs from the 1952 MGM film, including Good Morning, Make ‘Em Laugh, You Are My Lucky Star and the title song, Singin’ in the Rain!

Fri 3 – Sat 25 June 2016

Octagon Theatre Bolton, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Salisbury Playhouse present

Screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green Songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed Based on the classic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer ﬁlm, by special arrangement with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Inc. Music published by EMI, all rights administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC (Original Movie Choreography by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen)

Produced by agreement with Maurice Rosenﬁeld, Lois F. Rosenﬁeld and Cindy Pritzker, Inc. This production by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York

Performance times Evenings: 7.30pm 5pm performance: Mon 13 Jun 2pm Matinees: Sat 4, Wed 8, Thu 9, Sat 11, Wed 15, Thu 16, Sat 18, Wed 22, Thu 23, Sat 25 Jun ticket Prices £29 - £12.50 Discounts available including SEaSon TicKETS, groups, schools and young person’s £6 tickets. See page 28 for full list of discounts. auditorium seating plan

Director: Elizabeth Newman

Special diary dates Bargain nights: Fri 3, Mon 6 Jun (tickets £19.50 – £12.50) Meet the director and cast: Mon 20 June (free, post show) investigate day: Sat 11 Jun (£20, inc. matinee ticket) – full day event around the themes and issues of the play, see page 26 for more information. audio described: Tue 14 Jun, 7.30pm BSL: Tue 21 Jun, 7.30pm Captioned Performance: Fri 17 Jun, 7.30pm The spoken word displayed on a unit to give access for deaf, deafened and hard of hearing customers.

box oﬃce: 01204 520661 www.octagonbolton.co.uk 9

Fri 18 Nov 2016 – Sat 14 Jan 2017 Five rats. One romance. No cheese. It’s got all the traditional elements for a fabulous festive treat – a feisty girl who dreams of dressing up and dancing, a wicked stepmother, mean older sisters, and a slightly geeky Prince – but this Cinderella has one big diﬀerence. The rats are in charge.

Join Whiskers, Tail, Teeth, Ears and Claws as they tell their story, play live music, dance, sing and squabble their way through to the hilarious fairy-tale ending.

Cinderella is an entertaining and energetic production for the whole family from award-winning writer for children, Mike Kenny. Mike was included in the Independent on Sunday's list of Top Ten Living Playwrights and his plays are performed regularly throughout the UK and all over the world. His adaptation of The Railway Children won an Olivier Award for Best Entertainment. Age Guidance: 5 years and over

BOOK NOW FOR OUR 2016-17 FESTIVE SPECTACULAR!

Performance times Mornings: 10.30am* Matinees: 2.15pm* Evenings: 7pm* * Performances vary daily, for details see performance diary on page 27. ticket Prices £25 - £10 Discounts available including SEaSon TicKETS, groups and schools. See page 27 for full information on schools, groups and other discounts. auditorium seating plan

Special diary dates Relaxed Performances: Fri 13 Jan 2017, 11am & 7pm See page 27 for more information about relaxed Performances at the octagon. audio described: Fri 2 Dec, 7pm BSL: Fri 9 Dec, 7pm Captioned Performance: Fri 16 Dec, 7pm The spoken word displayed on a unit to give access for deaf, deafened and hard of hearing customers. age guidance: 5 years and over We do not admit babes in arms (children under 18 months)

box oﬃce: 01204 520661 www.octagonbolton.co.uk 11

Octagon Theatre Bolton presents

Performance times Mornings: 10.30am* Matinees: 2pm*, 2.15pm* Evenings: 7pm* * Performances vary daily, for details see performance diary on page 29.

L TO STIL E IN M CO 015-16 2 THEEASON S

ticket Prices £23 - £9.50 Discounts available including SEaSon TicKETS, groups and schools. See page 29 for full information on schools, groups and other discounts. auditorium Seating Plan

Director: Sarah Esdaile

“Any child not delighted by The BFG must have a head filled with squashed flies and deserves to be fed for a year on disgustatious snozzcumbers.” The Guardian This swishwifflingly scrumdiddlyumptious wonderland will be brought to life on the Octagon stage - filled with good dreams, greedy giants, snozzcumbers, frobscottles, and even the Queen of England! Unable to fall asleep in her bedroom in the village orphanage, Sophie spies a huge and mysterious figure blowing something into bedroom windows down the street. Before she has a chance to hide, the giant snatches up the little girl and whisks her away to his home in Giant Country. But this giant is

unlike the others Sophie comes across in this exhilarating tale; the BFG is funny, friendly and full of surprises, and it’s not long before he and Sophie embark upon all sorts of exciting adventures, becoming best friends in the process! Using David Wood’s exceptional adaptation of the classic children’s book, the Octagon Theatre will delight and surprise audiences of all ages with an exciting and stimulating set, and a brand new director and cast. Visit the Oﬃcial Roald Dahl Website, which is packed with information and up to date news from the World of Roald Dahl, by clicking through to www.roalddahl.com For more information about David Wood, visit www.davidwood.org.uk

image used with permission granted by a P Watt at United agents on behalf of Quentin Blake

Fri 13 November 2015 – Sat 9 January 2016 Special diary dates Relaxed Performances: Fri 8 Jan 2016, 11am & 7pm See page 29 for more information about relaxed Performances at the octagon. audio described: Fri 4 Dec, 7pm BSL: Fri 11 Dec, 7pm Captioned performance: Thu 17 Dec, 7pm The spoken word displayed on a unit to give access for deaf, deafened and hard of hearing customers. age guidance: 5 years and over We do not admit babes in arms (children under 18 months) Box oﬃce: 01204 520661 www.octagonbolton.co.uk

Octagon Theatre Bolton and the University of Bolton present Performance times Evenings: 7.30pm 5pm performance: Mon 1 Feb 2pm matinees: Fri 22, Sat 30 Jan, Wed 3 Feb

L TO STIL E IN COM015-16 2 THEEASON S

ticket Prices £27 – £10.50 Discounts available including SEaSon TicKETS, groups, schools and young person’s £6 tickets. See page 30 for full list of discounts.

Thu 21 January – Sat 6 February 2016

auditorium Seating Plan

Set over one eventful night in a pub in the North of England, Two is a play about people. People in their extraordinary, and ordinary, everyday lives, and the strength of the human spirit - stronger than anything on oﬀer behind the bar.

First performed at the Octagon in 1989, the Sunday Times called the play a “brilliantly, surrealistically and comically poetic” piece. The production won the Manchester Evening News Best New Play Award before transferring to the Young Vic in London. Subsequently this ever popular play has been revived twice at the Octagon over the years. Following the run of Two the Octagon will present a world premiere by Jim Cartwright of Two 2 - revisiting the same pub, with characters both old and new. Turn the page to ﬁnd out more!

“There’s been a lot of copping-oﬀs round that side, two fallings-out here, and a ﬁght, three proposals of marriage round there, and a birth in a snug. And it’s nowhere near last orders yet!” Landlord, Two

Photo: Michael Shelford

From opening time to last orders, all walks of life pass through this pub, and the comings and goings are watched over by the all-seeing, and all knowing, proprietors - the landlord and landlady at the heart and soul of their local. So get yourself a drink and settle in, it’ll all be happening tonight…

Special diary dates Bargain nights: Thu 21, Fri 22, Mon 25 Jan (tickets £17.50 - £10.50) Meet the director and cast: Tue 23 Feb (free, post show) investigate day: Sat 20 Feb (£20, inc. matinee ticket) – full day event around the themes and issues of Two and the sequel production Two 2, see page 26 for more information about investigate Days. audio described: Tue 2 Feb, 7.30pm BSL: Thu 28 Jan, 7.30pm Captioned Performance: Thu 4 Feb, 7.30pm The spoken word displayed on a unit to give access for deaf, deafened and hard of hearing customers. Box oﬃce: 01204 520661 www.octagonbolton.co.uk

Octagon Theatre Bolton and the University of Bolton present

Performance times Evenings: 7.30pm 5pm performance: Mon 15 Feb 2pm matinees: Thu 11, Sat 13, Wed 17, Sat 20, Wed 24, Sat 27 Feb

L TO STIL E IN M CO 015-16 2 THEEASON S

ticket Prices £27 – £10.50 Discounts available including SEaSon TicKETS, groups, schools and young person’s £6 tickets. See page 30 for full list of discounts.

Wed 10 – Sat 27 February 2016

auditorium Seating Plan

From the writer of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Bed, Road and Two comes the world premiere production of Two 2; Jim Cartwright’s brand new play that revisits the lives, loves and laughs of regulars in a Northern boozer.

At odds with one another, but holding it together one shift at a time, their lives have become as bitter as the ale they serve. But when a once in a lifetime opportunity presents itself in the form of a one way ticket out of there, will either of them have the courage to turn their backs on the pub, and most importantly, each other?

Photo: Michael Shelford

Time may have passed but the pub is still standing - just. Punters are now few and far between, and despite all attempts at quiz nights, karaoke and pub grub it could soon be last orders for the struggling landlord and lady.

Special diary dates Bargain nights: Wed 10, Thu 11, Fri 12 Feb (tickets £17.50 - £10.50) Meet the director and cast: Tue 23 Feb (free, post show) investigate day: Sat 20 Feb (£20, inc. matinee ticket) – full day event around the themes and issues of Two and the sequel production Two 2, see page 26 for more information about investigate Days. audio described: Tue 16 Feb, 7.30pm Captioned Performance: Fri 26 Feb, 7.30pm The spoken word displayed on a unit to give access for deaf, deafened and hard of hearing customers. Box oﬃce: 01204 520661 www.octagonbolton.co.uk

L TO STIL E IN M CO 015-16 2 THEEASON S

Octagon Theatre Bolton and Hull Truck Theatre present

Thu 10 March – Sat 2 April 2016 In a suburban semi on a cold winters evening, a collection of family, friends and acquaintances gather to celebrate a fortieth birthday. There’s Josie, the forty year old dominatrix conducting business from her living room and in no mood to celebrate; her daughter Brenda-Marie with a wisdom beyond her years; Martha - Josie’s who’ss devout Irish cleaner who’ none the wiser and happy to keep it that way; and, of course, Lionel - Josie’s most loyal client with a heart of gold and a secret yearning to wear ladies dresses. But no party would be complete without entertainment, and for once Josie has the night oﬀ. Elvis impersonator off. Timothy Wong has entered the building and only the arrival of a very

unexpected guest could upstage the King himself. Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis premiered at the Octagon Theatre in 1999 and was received with critical acclaim and regular standing ovations. Described by the Financial Times as “one of our most accomplished and entertaining young playwrights”, Charlotte Jones has created a quirky collection of characters whose worlds collide on one fateful night that could ultimately change all of their lives forever. Heartfelt, poignant, and funny in equal measure, Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis captures the glimmer of promise and potential that lies in all of us - shining a spotlight on the opportunities that are out there, if only we choose to take them.

times Performance Times Evenings: 7.30pm 5pm performance: Mon 21 Mar 2pm matinees: Sat 12, Wed 16, Sat 19, Wed 23, Wed 30 Mar ticket Prices £27 – £10.50 Ticket SEaSon Discounts available including SEASON TicKETS, groups, schools and young person’s TICKETS, £6 tickets. See page 30 for full list of discounts. auditorium Seating Plan Auditorium

diary Dates dates Special Diary nights: Thu 10, Fri 11, Mon 14 Mar Bargain Nights: (tickets £17.50 - £10.50) Meet the Director director and cast: Fri 11 Mar (free, post show) investigate Day: day: Sat 19 Mar (£20, inc. Investigate matinee ticket) – full day event around the themes and issues of the play, see page 26 for more information. audio Described: described: Thu 24 Mar, 7.30pm Audio Captioned Performance: Thu 17 Mar, 7.30pm The spoken word displayed on a unit to give access for deaf, deafened and hard of hearing customers. There will be no performances on Fri 25 or Mon 28 Mar. Box Office: oﬃce: 01204 520661 www.octagonbolton.co.uk

Octagon Theatre Bolton and Prime Theatre present

“The wildly successful Horrible Histories books and TV shows are adored by children and adults alike.” The Guardian A world premiere for Octagon audiences; the creator of Horrible Histories and author of over 250 books brings his high-speed, historical and hilarious touch to the world of William Shakespeare.

Director: Mark Powell

Tue 19 – Sat 23 April 2016

Studio, 7.30pm running time: 60 mins There will be a 20 minute Q&a session after each performance. 10am performances: Tue 19, Wed 20, Thu 21 apr 1pm matinees: Tue 19, Wed 20, Thu 21, Fri 22, Sat 23 apr 7pm performances: Fri 22, Sat 23 apr commemorate the 400 year anniversary of Shakespeare’s death at our special investigate Morning: Sat 23 apr, 10am, £6.50 Captioned Performance: Fri 22 apr, 7pm BSL: Wed 20 apr, 1pm octagon Studio Theatre, £8 (£6) 1 free teacher ticket for every 10 child tickets booked

It’s 1902 and when Sir Alphonse King and his Sixty Minute Shakespeare Ensemble start rehearsing Macbeth for a Royal Command Performance they ﬁnd themselves struggling against spookily unexpected circumstances. While Lady Macbeth is busy complaining about Sir Alphonse’s ego and Macduﬀ is playing the fool to keep everyone’s spirits up, mild-mannered stage manager Miss Jessica Peacock has to battle her stage-fright to save the show. But with an actor missing, props breaking in their hands and ghostly goings on growing by the minute, the entire troupe begin to fear the worst. Have they fallen foul of the infamous Macbeth Curse? In a chaotically condensed version of Shakespeare’s own words and integrated with Musical Hall songs and cutting-edge Edwardian theatricality, Terry Deary’s brand new play is a perfect introduction to the magic and madness of Macbeth. Recommended for age 7 years and over. If you would like to book this production to perform in your school or education setting then it will be touring the Bolton area from Mon 11 – Sat 16 April, for more information email participation@octagonbolton.co.uk

Photo: Joel Chester Fildes

Just £4 son for Sea Ticket ! holders

Octagon Theatre Bolton and Freedom Studios present

#ChipShoptheMusical Every year the National Theatre commissions new plays by leading playwrights for young theatre companies all over the country to perform in a nationwide Connections Festival. This year is the 21st anniversary of Connections. The Festival celebrates great new writing for the stage – and the energy, commitment and talent of young theatre-makers. Contains strong language and challenging content. Recommended for ages 14+

Wed 11 – Fri 20 May 2016 7.30pm: Weds 11, Thu 12, Fri 13, Sat 14, Mon 16, Tue 17, Thu 19, Fri 20 May Main auditorium £6 (£4, concessions and Season Ticket holders)

Written & Co-Produced by Emma Hill Join us for an evening of theatre, music, friendship, and ﬁsh and chips as the Octagon Theatre takes on a new stage – the iconic Olympus chip shop in Bolton! Teenager Ayla and middle-aged Gram meet when Ayla blags a job in the chip shop. Ayla is a frustrated and shy young woman who secretly dreams of a grime music career, but has no idea how to make it happen. Gram is a disillusioned, brass-loving chip shop owner, who’s falling out of step as the world is changing around him. Can they come together and sort their lives and the shop out, before business and personal pressures force a closure?

Support in kind from Olympus Fish and Chip Restaurant, Bolton, and The In Plaice, Bradford Recommended for ages 14+ Running time: approx. 1 hour, no interval

Wed 11 – Sat 21 May 2016 BSL: Thu 19 May, 7.30pm Captioned Performance:Fri 20 May, 7.30pm Please note: doors will open at 7.30pm and guests will be seated immediately, please arrive promptly as the event will start from the moment you step inside olympus! olympus chip Shop, Great Moor Street Bl1 1SW £18 (£16) – includes ﬁsh, chips & a brew!

“One of the gardens is locked up. No-one has been in it for ten years. It was hers. He locked the door and dug a hole and buried the key.”

Octagon Theatre Bolton presents

This classic novel, listed in the BBC’s ‘Big Reads’ top 100 all time favourite books, is brought to life in a brand-new adaptation by BAFTA-nominated writer, Janys Chambers. Transporting us from the vibrancy of India to the Gothic mystery of a crumbling Yorkshire mansion, this sparkling performance by some of our best young local actors tells the often funny, always moving story of a lonely, seemingly unlovable child who, in her search for ‘a little bit of earth’, transforms the lives of everyone around her.

Thu 11 - Sat 13 Aug 2016 7.30pm: Thu 11, Fri 12, Sat 13 aug 2pm matinee: Sat 13 aug Tickets: £6 (£4) Main auditorium

Get Involved

By Frances Hodgson Burnett A new adaptation by Janys Chambers Created by the Octagon Artistic Team

The Secret Garden project is open to anyone aged 8 – 25 years who is able to commit three weeks of their summer holiday to putting on a production! You will work alongside our new Artistic Team, as well as a team of actors, to create a full-scale production of The Secret Garden. You don’t need any experience, just enthusiasm, willingness to try new things, and imagination. Places are £120 per participant – which works out at just £7.50 per day! We also have a limited number of free bursary places available for anyone with ﬁnancial or other diﬃculties to access this project. The project will start from Monday 25 July and run for three weeks. If you would like to apply for a bursary, or for more information, email participation@octagonbolton.co.uk

The Octagon Theatre is thrilled to announce the launch of a brand new national writing competition, the National Octagon Prize.

Inspired by the themes of revelation in Singin’ in the Rain when Debbie Reynolds’ character, Kathy, is exposed as the true talent behind the curtain, the Octagon will produce its ﬁrst Reveal season in June 2016. This two week festival will take place in the Studio Theatre and will showcase theatre created by local companies and theatre makers from across the region. It will be curated by Octagon Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman, RTYDS Assistant Director Ben Occhipinti and Associate Producer Deborah Dickinson. This is a fantastic opportunity to see original and exciting work by emerging theatre makers.

Tue 14 – Sat 25 June 2016 Studio, 7.30pm £5

We are looking for the next Ibsen, Miller, Naughton or Cartwright and would love to see what you can do. We’re asking writers to submit dramatic monologues for the Octagon to produce, and submissions should be no longer than 40 minutes long. The competition is open to ages 16 years and over, and the closing date for all entries is Friday 26 February 2016. Entries will be judged by various industry professionals including Octagon Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman, Sue Emmas (Associate Artistic Director, Young Vic), Amit Sharma (Associate Director, Graeae), Aisha Khan (Artistic Director, Freedom Studios), Max Staﬀord-Clark (Artistic Director, Out of Joint), Stella Feehily (playwright), Lawrence Till (former Octagon Artistic Director) and Sue Roberts, (Producer of BBC Audio

Drama for Radio 3 and 4, and Editor of The Verb on BBC Radio 3). The best monologues will be performed at the Octagon in 2017. Please send all entries to literary@octagonbolton.co.uk, putting ‘National Octagon Prize’ in the subject line. Best of luck!

JOIN US AT THE OCTAGON PLEASURE BEACH!

Octagon Theatre Bolton presents

Photo: Emma Finch, www.emmaﬁnchphotography.co.uk

STORYPLAY

Join us for an afternoon of storytelling at the Octagon Theatre. Your little ones will be transported on a literary journey of fun and adventure – meeting all of their favourite characters, brought to life by actors from the Octagon Company. So take a seat in our relaxed play area, story time is about to begin… Recommended for families of all ages.

Fri 15 April – Beauty and the Beast Fri 20 May – The Ugly Duckling Fri 24 June – Banter Straw octagon Bar, 4.30pm £4 per child, with one free adult place per child

Make a date in your diaries for a weekend to remember with a whole host of free, fun activities for families over the August bank holiday weekend. The Octagon auditorium will be transformed into a seaside pleasure beach where you can feel the sand between your toes, enjoy all the fun of the fair, and indulge in some candy ﬂoss and ice cream - whatever the weather! There will also be pop-up theatre performances from our band of seaside players - so pull up a deckchair, grab a bucket and spade and get ready to be entertained!

Bank Holiday Weekend Fri 26 – Mon 29 August 2016

Coming in 2016… Dates, times and prices to be conﬁrmed soon! Main auditorium & Studio Theatre

Best of Bolton

Octagon Theatre Bolton in association with Bolton International Writing Project present

New Writing

We will announce full details early in 2016 so do check the website or join our mailing list to be the ﬁrst to hear about what’s coming up: www.octagonbolton.co.uk/ mailing-list

The Octagon is passionate about developing new writing. Join us for an evening of outstanding original work by Bolton writers. Octagon Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman will select the pieces and direct professional actors in a performance showcasing the work.

Sat 28 May 2016 Main auditorium, 2pm & 7.30pm £5

Photo: Ben Hopper Design: Guy Sanders

Join us at the Octagon for a creative feast as we celebrate South Asian Arts during our Dinner Party season. Over four days there will be a range of ‘taster’ events that will include poetry, theatre, music, art and dance – a whole host of events for you to sample!

20 Stories High and Theatre-Rites present

THE BROKE ‘N’ BEAT COLLECTIVE A MASH-UP OF HIP HOP, THEATRE AND PUPPETRY 20 Stories High and Theatre-Rites join forces to create a unique mash up of hip-hop, theatre and puppetry, bringing together 4 amazing artists: beat-boxer Hobbit, b-boy Ryan LoGisTic Harston, singer/rapper Elektric, and puppeteer Mohsen Nouri to form The Broke ‘N’ Beat Collective. Come and spend an evening with the Collective; a raw, gritty, funny and moving gig that explores the hardships faced by young people in the UK today. Gripping tales, transﬁxing poetry and hip-hop puppetry like you’ve

never seen before. A 20 Stories High and Theatre-Rites coproduction in association with Unity Theatre, Liverpool. Suitable for ages 13+

Thu 25 – Sat 27 February 2016 Thu 25 Feb, 7.30pm + post-show discussion Fri 26 Feb, 8pm + post-show jam Sat 27 Feb, 7.30pm Studio Theatre £10 (£8) £3 young person concession (17-25 years) Education workshops are available to book on Fri 26 Feb, please email participation@ octagonbolton.co.uk for more details

LOVE THE OCTAGON? SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND HELP YOUR THEATRE AND COMMUNITY FLOURISH! We are a registered charity and rely on the support of our funders, sponsors and donors to continue our inspiring work on stage and in the community. We work with the community. We positively change lives. We are a home for playwrights and makers. We create theatre in the belief that it can enrich our communities and fundamentally transform peoples’ lives for the better. What we’ve achieved during the last year… Introduced Relaxed Performances – where those with an autistic spectrum condition, learning disability or sensory or communication need are able to watch a performance in a much more relaxed setting. Introduced Captioned Performances – where the spoken word is displayed on a unit providing access to live performances for deaf, deafened and hard of hearing customers. Engaged with young people - over the ﬁnancial year 2014/15, 2617 young people participated in one of our learning activities. All because of our amazing supporters!

Can you help us continue our stimulating work both on and oﬀ stage?

Images: Ray Jeﬀerson, Bolton Camera Club & Sophia Keenan

Why support us?

Become an Octagon Donor by giving a gift of £8, £6 or £4 per month and you’ll… -

Be invited to our exclusive season launch event

Have the opportunity to book tickets before anyone else

Receive an exclusive biannual newsletter, sharing behind the scenes stories and news of how your donations have impacted on our work

Become an Octagon Donor Plus by giving a gift of £25, £15 or £10 per month or over and in addition to the above we’ll also… -

Recognise your gift on our website and in a selection of programmes

Give you greater access to the Theatre with exclusive Octagon Donor oﬀers “If this group hadn’t have started I’d still be sat looking at four walls, still unemployed.”

tHank You!

Vicki, The Willows Project participant, a group created to support local people to develop new skills through creativity

fiLL in a Love oCtagon foRM todaY and You’LL HeLP uS Make gReat tHingS HaPPen…

The Octagon Theatre is a Registered Charity (248833) that relies on the support of our funders, sponsors and donors. To ﬁnd out more visit www.octagonbolton.co.uk/donate-to-the-octagon or contact our Campaigns Manager, on 01204 557141, or email loveoctagon@octagonbolton.co.uk

# (By including this you’ll be able to fully beneﬁt from the scheme and you’ll also help us keep costs down.)

Birthday -

Post code

(By including this you’ll be able to fully beneﬁt from the scheme and you’ll also help us keep costs down.)

Birthday -

Day:

£15 / £30

£6 / £12

Yes

Day:

Yes

to cover one year.

£10 / £20

£4 / £8

Month:

Thank you, you’re amazing! Registered Charity No. 248833

Please hand this to any member of staﬀ or post to Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB

Bolton

octagon

I conﬁrm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for the current tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for the current tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of every £1 I have given.

By gift aiding your donation, your support will go even further, allowing us to gain tax back at no additional cost to you. It’s free and only takes one tick!

per month / I enclose a cheque for £

£25 / £50

Octagon Donor Plus Single/Joint Other amount £

£8 / £16

Octagon Donor Single/Joint

I would like to donate the following amount until further notice.

Are you happy to be recognised publicly for your donation?

Post code

Email address

Name

If a joint membership, please include the following information:

Contact number

Email address

Address

Name

Cut here

Jan-Aug 2016

Cut here

# Company logo or name here Bolton

octagon Please fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send it to:

OCTAGON THEATRE TRUST LTD HOWELL CROFT SOUTH BOLTON BL1 1SB

Instruction to your bank or building society to pay by Direct Debit

Service user number

Reference

Name(s) of account holder(s)

Bank/building society account number

Bank/building society

Date

Signature(s)

Instruction to your bank or building society Please pay Octagon Theatre Trust Limited Direct Debits from the account detailed in this Instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this Instruction may remain with Octagon Theatre Trust Limited and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank/building society.

Branch sort code

To: The Manager

Name and full postal address of your bank or building society

Address

Postcode

Banks and building societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account

This guarantee should be detached and retained by the payer.

The Direct Debit Guarantee • This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits

• If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit Octagon Theatre Trust Limited will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request Octagon Theatre Trust Limited to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request. • If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit, by Octagon Theatre Trust Limited or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society – If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when Octagon Theatre Trust Limited asks you to required. Please also notify us.

• You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be

DDI2

Café eight is situated on the ground ﬂoor of the Octagon Theatre. Open from 9am every day except Sunday, it’s the perfect place to meet for morning coﬀee, enjoy a leisurely lunch or have pre-theatre dinner and drinks with friends. Season Ticket holders save 10% on all food and nonalcoholic drinks in eight. Open all day Monday – Saturday from 9am

PRE-THEATRE DINING

ROOM HIRE AND HOSPITALITY

The perfect venue for a pre-theatre meal. Enjoy three delicious courses, a freshly baked pizza, or just a light bite before the show.

The Octagon Theatre is the perfect venue for private events. From short meetings to conferences, pre-show buﬀets to champagne receptions, day and night, the Octagon has two versatile, well equipped spaces for hire at competitive rates.

Visit www.octagonbolton.co.uk/ come-dine-with-us for current menu options. Season Ticket holders save 10% on all food and non-alcoholic drinks in eight. For convenient pre-theatre dining, it’s advisable to book - call the Box Oﬃce on 01204 520661 to reserve your table.

Simply email hospitality@octagonbolton.co.uk to make an enquiry. The Octagon Bar is open for theatre-goers an hour before the performance. Beat the queues by preordering your interval drinks - just order at the bar 25 before the show starts.

Handbagged by Moira Buﬃni, Tricycle Theatre, London. Set design: Richard Kent. Photo: Jeremy Fowler

INVESTIGATE DAYS

NEW! CAPTIONED PERFORMANCES

The Octagon is delighted to provide captioned performances for all of our main season productions. During captioned performances the spoken word is displayed on a unit to give access for deaf, deafened and hard of hearing customers. Details of captioned performance dates are listed on the individual show pages in this brochure. To ensure you get the best possible seats, with a great view of the captioned spoken word, we recommend that you book with one of our Box Oﬃce assistants so they can allocate the appropriate seats. Call 01204 520661 for more information.

Join actors, directors and theatre specialists in full day events exploring and discussing some of the burning issues behind the Octagon’s programme of plays. Investigate Days start at 10.30am and are followed by a matinee performance. Investigate Day tickets are just £20, or £6.50 for the morning session without the matinee ticket.

17 - 25? TICKETS FROM JUST £6!

See individual show pages for forthcoming Investigate Day dates.

“The most important discussion on theatre I have ever attended” Award-winning playwright David Edgar on his experience of Investigate.

Box offiCe 01204 520661 www.oCtagonBoLton.Co.uk

If you’re aged 17-25 you can take advantage of our Young Person’s £6 Standby Ticket. Book on the day of the performance and pay just £6. Proof of ID will be required, subject to availability, maximum of 2 tickets per booking, only applies to seats in bands B or C. Call 01204 520661 to book.

Fri 18 Nov Sat 19 Nov Mon 21 Nov Tue 22 Nov Wed 23 Nov Thu 24 Nov Fri 25 Nov Sat 26 Nov Mon 28 Nov Tue 29 Nov Wed 30 Nov Thu 01 Dec Fri 02 Dec Sat 03 Dec Mon 05 Dec Tue 06 Dec Wed 07 Dec Thu 08 Dec Fri 09 Dec Sat 10 Dec Mon 12 Dec Tue 13 Dec Wed 14 Dec Thu 15 Dec Fri 16 Dec Sat 17 Dec Mon 19 Dec Tue 20 Dec Wed 21 Dec Thu 22 Dec Fri 23 Dec Sat 24 Dec Mon 26 Dec Tue 27 Dec Wed 28 Dec Thu 29 Dec Fri 30 Dec Sat 31 Dec Mon 02 Jan Tue 03 Jan Wed 04 Jan Thu 05 Jan Fri 06 Jan Sat 07 Jan Mon 09 Jan Tue 10 Jan Wed 11 Jan Thu 12 Jan Fri 13 Jan Sat 14 Jan

7.00 2.15 7.00 10.30 7.00 10.30 10.30 2.15 10.30 10.30 7.00 2.15 7.00 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 7.00 2.15 7.00 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 7.00 2.15 7.00 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 7.00 2.15 7.00 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 7.00 2.15 7.00 2.15 7.00 7.00 2.15 7.00 2.15 7.00 2.15 7.00 2.15 7.00 2.15 7.00 7.00 2.15 7.00 2.15 7.00 2.15 7.00 2.15 7.00 2.15 7.00 10.30 10.30 10.30 10.30 11.00 7.00 2.15 7.00

fRi 18 noveMBeR 2016 - Sat 14 JanuaRY 2017 PEAK

STANDARD

OFF-PEAK

Band A (stalls)

£25.00

£24.00

£20.00

Band B (stalls and front row gallery*)

£20.00

£19.00

£17.00

Band C (gallery*)

£17.00

£16.00

£15.00

Adult concession:

Save £2 on all full prices

Child concession:

Save £4 on all full prices

Small Groups 4+

Save £5

on full prices for all group members

Schools & Groups 10+ 1 free adult for every 10 children. Book now and pay just two months before your visit. Save 50p on the price of every ticket if you book and pay before 31 July 2016.

Fri 13 Jan 2017, 11am & 7pm

16 years and under: £11.50 Adult: £15

BARGAIN NIGHT! Mon 21 Nov, 7pm - all stalls seats £15, all gallery seats £10 *Gallery - A two row balcony where you lean forward to look down to see. May be slightly restricted view for anyone under 9 years old Relaxed Performances 11am & 7pm on Friday 13 Jan 2017 Peak performances - RED Standard performances - BLUE Oﬀ-peak performances - BLACK

Special Diary Dates Audio Described: Fri 2 Dec, 7pm BSL: Fri 9 Dec, 7pm Captioned performance: Fri 16 Dec, 7pm

Relaxed Performances

ore For m n on atio m r fo in rella Cinde es ag see p 11 d 10 a n

Relaxed performances are specifically designed to welcome into theatres people with an autistic spectrum condition, learning disability, a sensory or communication need. Or indeed anyone who feels that they, or their family, would enjoy a more relaxed environment. They have a less formal, more supportive atmosphere to reduce anxiety levels. There is a relaxed attitude to audience noise and movement, and small changes to the sound levels and lighting effects. There are also other provisions such as visual stories, a chill-out space, and extra staff around to offer a helping hand. All tickets for Relaxed Performances are £10 with free essential carer tickets for those with additional needs, plus one free ticket for every 10 tickets booked.

FRI 3 – Sat SAT 25 June JUNE 2016 fRi Fri eves

Mon-Thu eves Sat eves (7.30pm)

Matinees (2, 5pm)

Bargain Nights

Band A Stalls Concession

£27 £24

£29 N/A

£25 £22

£20 £17.50

£19.50 N/A

Band B Stalls and front row gallery Concession

£24 £21

£26 N/A

£22 £19

£17 £15

£16.50 N/A

Band C Gallery Concession

£16.50 £14

£20 N/A

£15.50 £13

£14 £13

£12.50 N/A

N/A

off full price tickets £4 oﬀ off full price tickets N/A £4 oﬀ

N/A

off full price tickets £5 oﬀ off full price tickets N/A £5 oﬀ

Plus 1 free teacher / organiser ticket

N/A

off full price tickets £6 oﬀ off full price tickets N/A £6 oﬀ

Young person standby (17-25)*

N/A

£6.00

Schools and Groups 10+ Plus 1 free teacher / organiser ticket

Schools and Groups 31+ Plus 1 free teacher / organiser ticket

Schools and Groups 51+

N/A

Concessions are available to age 16 years and under, full-time students, age 60 years and over, jobseekers, disabled patrons and their companion, Equity and NCA cardholders. All discounts are subject to availability. We do not admit babes in arms (children under 18 months). * Valid for 17–25 years. Proof of ID will be required. Performance must be on the same day the booking is made, only applies to seats in bands B or C, subject to availability (maximum of 2 tickets per booking).

ore For m n on atio m r fo in e Rain ’ in th Singin pages see 9 8 and

Fri 13 Nov Sat 14 Nov Mon 16 Nov Tue 17 Nov Wed 18 Nov Thu 19 Nov Fri 20 Nov Sat 21 Nov Mon 23 Nov Tue 24 Nov Wed 25 Nov Thu 26 Nov Fri 27 Nov Sat 28 Nov Mon 30 Nov Tue 01 Dec Wed 02 Dec Thu 03 Dec Fri 04 Dec Sat 05 Dec Mon 07 Dec Tue 08 Dec Wed 09 Dec Thu 10 Dec Fri 11 Dec Sat 12 Dec Mon 14 Dec Tue 15 Dec Wed 16 Dec Thu 17 Dec Fri 18 Dec Sat 19 Dec Mon 21 Dec Tue 22 Dec Wed 23 Dec Thu 24 Dec Fri 25 Dec Sat 26 Dec Mon 28 Dec Tue 29 Dec Wed 30 Dec Thu 31 Dec Fri 01 Jan Sat 02 Jan Mon 04 Jan Tue 05 Jan Wed 06 Jan Thu 07 Jan Fri 08 Jan Sat 09 Jan

7.00 7.00 10.30 10.30 10.30 10.30 10.30

FRI fRi 13 NOVEMBER noveMBeR 2015 SAT Sat 9 JANUARY JanuaRY 2016

7.00 2.15 7.00

10.30 10.30 10.30 2.15 10.30 10.30 7.00 2.15 7.00 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 7.00 2.00 7.00 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 7.00 2.00 7.00 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 2.15 10.30 7.00 2.00 7.00 2.00 7.00 2.00 7.00 2.00 7.00 2.00 7.00 2.00 7.00 CLOSED 2.00 7.00 2.00 7.00 2.00 7.00 2.00 7.00 2.00 7.00 CLOSED 2.00 7.00 10.30 10.30 10.30 10.30 11.00 7.00 2.15 7.00

Peak Performances

Off-Peak Oﬀ-Peak

Band A Stalls

£23 £21 adult concession £16 child concession

£19.50 £17.50 adult concession £15 child concession

Band B Side view stalls and gallery*

£15 £14 adult concession £10.50 child concession

£13.50 £12.50 adult concession £9.50 child concession

Small Groups 4-9

£16

£15

Schools & Groups 10+

Adult: £15 16 and under: £12

Adult: £14.50 16 and under: £10.50

1 free adult for every 10 children! Reserve now and pay just two months before your visit.

Young Person Standby (17-25)**

N/A

£5

*Gallery - A two row balcony where you lean forward slightly to look down to see. May be a restricted view for anyone under 9 years old. ** Valid for 17-25 years. Proof of ID will be required. Performance must be on the same day the booking is made, only applies to seats in Band B, subject to availability (max 2 per booking). Dates highlighted in RED indicate Peak Performances Dates highlighted in GREEN indicate Relaxed Performances

Special Diary Dates Audio Described: Fri 4 Dec, 7pm BSL: Fri 11 Dec, 7pm Captioned performance: Thu 17 Dec, 7pm

ore For m n on atio m r fo in FG The B 12 age p e e s

Relaxed Performances Fri 8 Jan 2016, 11am & 7pm Relaxed Performances are specifically specifically designed to welcome into theatres people with an autistic spectrum condition, learning disability, a sensory or communication need. Or indeed anyone who feels that they, or their family, would enjoy a more relaxed environment. They have a less formal, more supportive atmosphere to reduce anxiety levels. There is a relaxed attitude to audience noise and movement, and small changes to the sound levels and lighting effects. effects. There are also other provisions such as visual stories (an info pack emailed in advance with full details of what to expect), a chill-out space, and extra staff staff around to offer offer a helping hand. All tickets for Relaxed Performances are £9.50 with free essential carer tickets for those with additional needs, plus 1 free ticket for every 10 tickets booked.

Ticket Prices for Two, Two 2, Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis, and Look Back in Anger Fri eves

Sat eves

Mon-Thu eves (7.30pm)

Matinees (2pm, 5pm)

Bargain Nights

Band A Stalls Concession

£25 £22

£27 N/A

£23 £20

£18 £15.50

£17.50 N/A

Band B Stalls and front row gallery Concession

£22 £19

£24 N/A

£20 £17

£15 £13

£14.50 N/A

Band C Gallery Concession

£14.50 £12

£18 N/A

£13.50 £11

£12 £11

£10.50 N/A

N/A

Band A £17 Band B £16 Band C £11

Band A £13 Band B £12 Band C £11

N/A

Band A £16 Band B £15 Band C £11

Band A £13 Band B £12 Band C £11

N/A

Band A £15 Band B £14 Band C £11

Band A £13 Band B £12 Band C £11

N/A

Band A £15.50 Band B £13.50 Band C £11

Band A £13 Band B £12 Band C £11

N/A

£6

Groups 10+ Plus 1 free organiser ticket

N/A

Groups 31+ Plus 1 free organiser ticket

N/A

Groups 51+ Plus 1 free organiser ticket

Schools & Education Groups 1 free teacher ticket per 15 pupils

N/A

Young person standby (17-25)* £6

Concessions are available to age 16 years and under, full-time students, age 60 years and over, jobseekers, disabled patrons and their companion, Equity and NCA cardholders. All discounts are subject to availability. Please note some plays may not be suitable for younger audiences, please discuss any requirements with the Box Oﬃce on 01204 520661. We do not admit babes in arms (children under 18 months). * Valid for 17–25 years. Proof of ID will be required. Performance must be on the same day the booking is made, only applies to seats in bands B or C, subject to availability (maximum of 2 tickets per booking).

SAVE WITH AN OCTAGON SEASON TICKET! SEE PAGES 4 AND 5 FOR MORE INFORMATION

PLATINUM GOLD

SILVER

5 SHOWS FOR £115

3 SHOWS FOR £60

2016 SEASON TICKET 2016 SEASON TICKET 30

5 SHOWS FOR £90

2016 SEASON TICKET

ONLY AVAILABLE TO 2015/16 PLATINUM SEASON TICKET HOLDERS...

PLATINUM GOLD ADD ON

ADD ON

REMAINING 2 SHOWS FOR £42 REMAINING 2 SHOWS FOR £32

Seating Plans

Access

Our access provision is proudly sponsored by Manchester Airport Group

The Octagon’s ﬂexible auditorium means plays can be staged in diﬀerent arrangements.

To discuss access requirements please contact the Box Oﬃce on 01204 520661 or email boxoﬃce@octagonbolton.co.uk

In-the-round

Wheelchair users/ customers with mobility impairment: The Octagon has a ﬂat foyer and entrance and an accessible toilet on this level. Access to the bar and auditorium is via the lift. There are stairs in the auditorium. Please mention any access requirements when booking and book wheelchair spaces in advance. There is a disabled parking bay close to the theatre entrance. Deaf and hard of hearing customers:

Thrust

End-stage

The Octagon has an infra-red hearing system. Via a headset, sound is slightly amplified for customers with or without hearing aids. Please pre-book headsets with Box Office staff. See show pages for British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performances and mention when booking. Captioned performances: See page 26 of this brochure for details.

Booking

Finding Us

Box Oﬃce: 01204 520661

Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB

Performance days: 9am – 7.30pm (until 7pm on the phone) Non-performance days: 9am – 5.30pm We are closed Sundays We accept cheques and major credit/debit cards. There is a 75p charge to post tickets. Please note we do not oﬀer refunds. Tickets may however be exchanged or a credit note given if tickets are returned to us 24 hours before the performance. A £1 exchange fee applies.

Blind and visually impaired customers:

Stalls – No seat is more than 9 rows from the stage Gallery – A two row balcony where you lean forward slightly and look down to see. May be a restricted view for anyone under 9 years old.

Audio-Described performances offer a live commentary via a headset. See show pages for dates and book your headset with the Box Office. Let us know if you are bringing a guide dog - it can stay with you in the auditorium or be looked after by staff. A touch tour is available before the described performance. More information about our touch tours, including video footage and commentary from our Audio Describer, is available at www.octagonbolton.co.uk and on CD, just ask our Box Office staff for a copy. Wheelchair users and visually impaired customers are entitled to one free companion ticket.

This brochure is available in large print or on audio CD upon request.

All patrons must have a ticket. Please note we do not admit babes in arms (children under 18 months).

24hr ticket bookings: www.octagonbolton.co.uk Data protection: the Octagon Theatre Bolton collects data in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

The Octagon is situated in the heart of the town centre, opposite the Library and Museum. We are a ﬁve minute walk from the train and bus stations. The nearest car park is the Octagon NCP multi-storey car park adjacent to us: Great Moor Street, Bolton BL1 1TN Tel: 0845 050 7080 Octagon Theatre patrons get a discounted rate from the Octagon NCP car park if parking after 5pm – bring your ticket to the theatre for validation. SAT NAV: BL1 1TN (car park) Please note: Some productions may contain smoking, strong language, themes of an adult nature, stage smoke and/or strobe lighting. Ask when booking for more information. All information is accurate at the time of going to print. The Octagon Theatre reserves the right to make alterations if necessary.

The BFG Fri 13 November 2015 – Sat 9 January 2016 Two Thu 21 January – Sat 6 February 2016 Two 2 Wed 10 – Sat 27 February 2016 Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis Thu 10 March – Sat 2 April 2016 Look Back in Anger Thu 7 – Sat 30 April 2016 Singin’ in the Rain Fri 3 – Sat 25 June 2016

www.octagonbolton.co.uk/news-blog

2 0 1 6

@octagontheatre

Cinderella Fri 18 Nov 2016 – Sat 14 Jan 2017

Box Oﬃce: 01204 520661 www.octagonbolton.co.uk Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB

www.facebook.com /OctagonBolton

Sue hodgkiSS, cbe dl PrinciPal PaTron

MaJor ParTnEr

Join our mailing list! Go to www.octagonbolton.co.uk/mailing-list

PrinciPal SPonSor

SUPPorTErS If you would like to see your logo here then please contact us to ﬁnd out how we could work together to promote your business. Call 01204 557141 or email loveoctagon@octagonbolton.co.uk

ROCKGLEN DEVELOPMENTS

The Octagon Theatre is a Registered Charity and gives thanks to all of its supporters. Registered Charity number: 248833