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Monday 22 February 2010
The Rape of Lucrece Directed by Gareth Armstrong “Shakespearean acting at its absolute finest” Three Weeks “Powerful and horrifying” Fringe Review "Sensational" Sir Trevor Nunn Fresh from a critically acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Festival. Olivier award-nominee and RSC actor Gerard Logan presents his tour-de-force solo performance of Shakespeare's great narrative poem at the Octagon. It brings emotional intensity to this account of the terrible crime of rape and its dreadful consequences. 7.30pm |£10 (£8 concessions)
Wednesday 17 February 2010
David Thacker on Shakespeare David Thacker has worked for the Royal Shakespeare Company and won Olivier Awards for his production of Pericles. Les Smith talks to him about his love of Shakespeare and how he seeks to make his plays accessible to a modern audience. 5.30pm – 7pm |£5 |Main Auditorium
Monday 1, Tuesday 2, Thursday 4 & Friday 5 March Octagon Theatre Bolton presents
Chekhov Shorts By Anton Chekhov Director: Elizabeth Newman We present two comedies - Swansong and Smoking is Bad for You, which are Anton Chekhov's finest shorts. Chekhov is best known for theatrical triumphs such as The Cherry Orchard, Uncle Vanya and The Seagull. Post show (in the Main Auditorium after A Midsummer Night's Dream) |FREE
Thursday 25 and Friday 26 March 2010 activ8 presents
Dream On! By James Boothman Director: Lisa O’Neill-Rogan A cast of 20 young people from stages 3, 4 and 5 of the Octagon Youth Theatre will work with a variety of artists to devise an original piece which will use Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as a starting point. 7.30pm |£5 (£4 concessions)
Thursday 1 April 2010 The Paper Birds Theatre Company present
In a Thousand Pieces In a Thousand Pieces is a beautiful patchwork of accounts, misunderstandings, movement, text and live original music. It is a touching and delicate depiction of the violent, isolated and brutal world home to thousands of women forced into the British sex trade. Ice-creams, suitcases, floorboards and buttons tell the physically and visually moving tale of a young Eastern European girl and her journey to England. This production has been part funded by Find Your Talent. 7.30pm |£8 (£6 concessions)
Thursday 29 April 2010 Turf Love present
Beating Berlusconi! “Mesmerising…hilarious scattergun scenes. Duckworth is outstanding. The gags flowed all evening.” Liverpool Echo Beating Berlusconi! is based on the true story of a Liverpool fan who ended up sitting next to Silvio Berlusconi at the Champions’ League Final. Despite threats from his wife and bank manager, Kenny Noonan travels to Istanbul to watch Liverpool play AC Milan. Paul Duckworth and his forty characters take to the road again in this hilarious, lump in your throat comedy. Note: Contains strong language and is recommended for ages 16 and above 7.30pm |£11 (£9 concessions)
Friday 30 April 2010
Spastic Fantastic Written and performed by Laurence Clark "Close to the bone and very funny... makes Chris Morris look lightweight” **** The Scotsman This new show flies in the face of a society that seems more concerned with political correctness and language than actually listening to disabled people. Laurence Clark, a comedian with cerebral palsy and cast member of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, attempts to reclaim the word ‘spastic’ through a series of hilarious stand-up routines and hidden camera stunts. 7.30pm |£10 (£8 concessions)
Saturday 27 February 2010 The University of Bolton and the Octagon Theatre Bolton present
An Investigation into Shakespeare Key speakers will take you on a whistle stop tour of Shakespeare and will explore how his work has transcended across many genres and mediums. There will be a range of presentations by professionals, who will put Shakespeare under the microscope for a closer investigation into a man that produced some of the greatest drama of all time. Visit www.octagonbolton.co.uk for a full list of speakers. 9.30am – 6pm 9.30am Registration |10am – 1pm | Morning session – Deane Lecture Theatre, Senate House, University of Bolton |2pm matinee performance at the Octagon Theatre |post show discussion For tickets contact Rebecca Albrow at the University of Bolton on 01204 903332
Saturday 27 March 2010
Why Write About Bolton? Is this a town whose streets are paved with words? Playwrights Les Smith and Martin Thomasson lead an exploration into work inspired by this town. The morning session includes a chance to see the first episode of Coronation Street, extracts from And Did Those Feet, as well as work from other Bolton playwrights including Bill Naughton and Jim Cartwright. The event will also feature the premiere of On a Quiet Street in Bolton, a new short play by Les and Martin. This will be followed by a matinee performance of And Did Those Feet. 10.30am – 6pm 10.30am – 1pm morning session |2pm matinee performance |post show discussion £15 (£12 concessions) includes matinee ticket |£5 morning only |Studio
Wednesday 31 March 2010
In conversation with the playwrights David Thacker (Artistic Director of the Octagon) talks with Les Smith and Martin Thomasson (writers of And Did those Feet). Les and Martin will talk about the process of developing a new play, the pains and pleasures of collaborative writing, and the importance of new writing for the vitality of the theatre. 5.30pm – 7pm |£5 |Main Auditorium
Saturday 24 April 2010
Who Needs Laughs? An investigation into the artistic merit of comedy Can comedy be more than mere light relief, more than just ‘having a laugh’? This event will look at prime examples of stand-up, sketch, sitcom and feature-length comedy, in order to examine questions such as: how does comedy work? What are the fundamental differences between tragedy and comedy? Does comedy matter? And, are some topics not fit subjects for comedy? 10.30 am – 6pm 10.30am morning session |2pm matinee |post show discussion £15 (£12 concessions) |£5 morning only |Studio
Saturday 29 May 2010
Who is Bill Naughton? Thursday 17 June – Friday 18 June 2010 Across the Pond present
Bedtime Solos Bedtime Solos tells the story of a couple over an evening of physical intimacy, and explores the isolation and loneliness that can exist between two people, even in the height of passion. It appears, at first glance, to have a fairly conventional story; however as the play progresses, the audience follow the characters into their subconscious minds. Bedtime Solos engages with the audience on every level, and is a unique and unforgettable theatrical experience.
An Investigation into the work of Bolton’s own playwright The Octagon Theatre’s award-winning Artistic Director, David Thacker, opens his rehearsal room and offers you the opportunity to watch and assist him rehearse Naughton’s much loved classic Alfie. This will culminate in a rehearsed reading in the Octagon’s Studio Theatre the very same day. Join David Thacker as he investigates what makes Alfie a show stopping play and thrilling film – best known for Michael Caine and Jude Law’s performances in the title role. 10.30am – 6pm | £5 | Studio
Note: Contains adult themes and is recommended for ages 16 and over. 7.30pm |£10 (£8 concessions)
Saturday 26 June 2010 Thursday 1 July – Saturday 3 July 2010 Shared Property Theatre Company presents
White Nights By Steve Hubbard based on a short story by Fyodor Dostoyevsky Director: Elizabeth Newman Immerse yourself in a beautifully unconventional love story about daring to dream. A multi-talented cast of actor musicians transport you to a fantastical Russian cityscape for a moving new play. White Nights fuses inventive theatre making with a sumptuous original score to reinvent an age old story that asks whether it’s worth sacrificing a wonderful dream for what might be only one real moment of bliss. 7.30pm |£10 (£8 concessions) Under 26? A limited number of free tickets are available for certain Theatre in the Studio events. Ask at Ticket Office for more information.
Who Needs Music with their Drama? An investigation into musical theatre The Octagon Theatre Associate Artists Carol Sloman (Musical Director of The Hired Man) and Lesley Hutchison (Movement Director of The Hired Man) investigate, alongside visiting practitioners, the role of music in theatre. When does it become musical theatre? What is an actor musician? And how does music in theatre change the message of a play? 10.30am – 6pm 10.30am - 1pm morning workshop |2pm matinee |Post show discussion £15 (£12 concessions) includes matinee ticket |£5 morning only |Studio
Saturday 22 May 2010 Peut-être Theatre presents
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The Bug and The Butterfly: A poem on six legs
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Principal Patron
Recommended for audiences aged 4 and over. 11am and 2pm |£8 (£6 concessions) |Studio
Recommended for children aged 3 – 7 and their families 11am and 2pm |£8 (£6 concessions) |Studio
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Incubate is the new writing collaboration between the Octagon and North West Playwrights, bringing together a group of talented, emerging playwrights to work with Elizabeth Newman, the Octagon’s ITV Theatre Director. Incubate Showcase is a chance for audiences see this new work. 7.30pm |£3 |Studio
Friday 25 June 2010
Directing The Octagon’s Artistic Director, David Thacker, leads a workshop on the techniques of directing for theatre and television.
Sue Hodgkiss, CBE DL
Whatever Next!
Inspired by the poems of Federico García Lorca Go outside. Look under a leaf. Turn over a log. Part the grass and look very, very carefully. What do you see? In a world where a dew drop is the size of a swimming pool and a flower is as tall as a skyscraper, an insect falls in love with a beautiful butterfly. A heart-warming story in miniature about love, friendship, reaching for the moon and dancing leaf to leaf.
Incubate Showcase
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Saturday 19 June 2010 Tutti Frutti and York Theatre Royal present By Jill Murphy, adapted by Juliet Forster “Can |go to the Moon?” asked Baby Bear. “No you can’t,” said Mrs Bear. “It’s bathtime. Anyway, you’d have to find a rocket first.” Undeterred, Baby Bear finds a rocket, packs a picnic and visits the moon, accompanied by a friendly owl he meets along the way. Using puppetry, movement, object animation, a bit of juggling and a lot of imagination, Whatever Next! explores the joy of imaginative play and the wonders of space.
Friday 19 March and Monday 17 May 2010
ex pe ta rim ki e W ng nt e in ati en a on c en su a ou vi pp nd rag ro o ri e nm rt sk i en ve t.
Principal Sponsor
FEBRUARY – JULY 2010
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M el vy n
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Wednesday 21 April 2010 University of Bolton and the Octagon Theatre present
The Octagon Theatre Prize: The Gift By Tony Godrich Director: David Thackerer A rehearsed reading of Tony Godrich’s emotionally charged and hard hitting new radio play. This play earned Godrich the Octagon Prize, awarded annually for outstanding achievement in writing drama by a student at the University of Bolton. Contains adult themes. 7.30pm |FREE Tickets must be reserved via Ticket Office |Studio
Actors’ Centre North: The Octagon will continue to offer workshops to Equity members in our Studio with visiting practitioners throughout the 7.30pm |FREE - book with Ticket Office year in association with Actors Centre North. The Octagon is undertaking a number ofFor Experiments invisit our Studio in more information associate with Actors Centre North. For www.actorscentrenorth.com. more information visit
In association with
www.actorscentrenorth.com.
D ia lo gu e
Noted for Fresh Air and Fun
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“Sandgrown-un” John, born and bred in Blackpool, relives his youth and asks how did an 18th Century village named after a peat-stained stream become “the famous seaside place called Blackpool”? 7.30pm |£5 |William Hare Bar
Tuesday 8 June 2010
Tuesday 11 May 2010
Manchester Through the Ages
Bandersnatch
What made Manchester? How did it become cotton capital of the world? This illustrated talk traces Manchester’s development from pre-Roman settlement to the present day. 7.30pm |£5 |William Hare Bar
Monday 8 February 2010
John Lucas and Anthony Rudolf John Lucas is Professor Emeritus at the Universities of Loughborough and Nottingham Trent. He has published several books of poetry. Flute Music is his latest collection. Anthony Rudolf is the author of books of literary criticism, autobiography and poetry including The Same River Twice.
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Monday 8 March 2010
7.30pm |£4 (£3 concessions) |Hospitality Suite
Monday 22 February 2010
Rebecca Goss and Tiffany Atkinson
A mix of traditional and contemporary folk, Bandersnatch emerged when a few like-minded individuals of immense experience decided to create a sound that would combine rich vocal harmonies with excellent musicianship. A superb six-piece band of multiinstrumental voice-blending magic. 7.30pm |£5 |William Hare Bar
the Year Competition in 1993 and 1994, and the Ottakar’s and Faber Poetry Competition in 2000. 7.30pm |£4 (£3 concessions) |Hospitality Suite
Poetry on a Plate Classic poets on Wednesday lunchtimes. Enjoy a spot of lunch at the Octagon followed by readings of wellknown poets performed by Octagon Theatre Bolton actors Director: Elizabeth Newman 10 February 2010 – Sylvia Plath 24 March 2010 – Wilfred Owen 21 April 2010 – William Blake 2 June 2010 – Ted Hughes 1pm – 2pm |1pm Lunch |1.15pm readings commence |£2.50 |William Hare Bar
Rebecca Goss was winner of the North West Arts young writer’s bursary 1997/98. Tiffany Atkinson won the BBC Radio Young Poet of
Call 01204 520661 Season Ticket holders receive 10% off all BoltON events Click www.octagonbolton.co.uk Visit Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB
Dates 8 Feb 10 Feb 17 Feb 22 Feb 22 Feb 27 Feb 1, 2, 4, 5 Mar 8 Mar 19 Mar 24 Mar 25 – 26 Mar 27 Mar 31 Mar 1 Apr 21 Apr 21 Apr 24 Apr 29 Apr 30 Apr 11 May 17 May 22 May 29 May 2 June 8 June 17 – 18 June 19 June 25 June 26 June 1 – 3 July Event John Lucas & Anthony Rudolf Poetry on a Plate: Sylvia Plath David Thacker on Shakespeare Rebecca Goss & Tiffany Atkinson The Rape of Lucrece An Investigation into Shakespeare Chekhov Shorts Noted for Fresh Air and Fun Incubate Showcase Poetry on a Plate: Wilfred Owen Dream On! Why Write About Bolton? In conversation with the Playwrights In a Thousand Pieces Poetry on a Plate: William Blake The Octagon Prize: The Gift Who Needs Laughs? Beating Berlusconi! Spastic Fantastic Bandersnatch Incubate Showcase The Bug and the Butterfly Who is Bill Naughton? Poetry on a Plate: Ted Hughes Manchester Through the Ages Bedtime Solos Whatever Next! Directing Who Needs Music with their Drama? White Nights
Bolton
February – July 2010
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Event Diary:
octagon
design: www.anonymousdesign.net Production photography: Joel Pammenter