The Octagon Theatre by The Octagon Theatre

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01204 520661 CLICK: www.octagonbolton.co.uk savintional gs!

SEA TICKSON ET sens a

SPRING SUMMER JAN 2009 – JUN 2009 Sue Hodgkiss, DL

PRINCIPAL PATRON

THE GUARDIAN

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

The Octagon has been putting the joie de vivre into Bolton for 40 years

For the best seats in the house...

Sensational savings with two great Season Ticket offers OPTION 1

r £55 o f s w o h s 5 See r The Caretake e Wall Up Against th Buddy Oleanna Looking for The Seafarer

D S BONUS CAR T PRICE PLU E K IC T E H T ON SAVING £37.50

OPTION 2

See 3 shows for £33 Looking for Buddy Oleanna The Seafarer

SAVING £22.50 ON TH E TICKET PRICE PLUS BONUS CARD

Discounts and benefits As a Season Ticket holder: Choose any performance, including Saturdays Best available seats in the house Priority booking period Buy now, choose your dates later Tickets transferable to friends and family PLUS, your Bonus Card gives you: Half price programmes for all Octagon productions 10% off your drinks at the William Hare Bar 10% off pre-booked evening meals at the Spotlight Café (one evening meal per Bonus Card, per visit) 10% off a full price ticket for all Octagon shows this season Call the Ticket Office on 01204 520661 to get yours

What the Octagon did last season...

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THE CRUCIBLE

Don’t miss a thing! ROAD

Join the Octagon’s FREE e-news list. Receive personal e-newsletters including what’s on, latest news, newly announced events and special offers. Visit www.octagonbolton.co.uk and click on ‘keep in touch’

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E SPRING AND PORT WIN

Get blogging... If you can’t wait for the news to hit your inbox, you can also keep in touch with what’s happening at the Theatre via The Octagon Blog. You can read the latest news and press reviews, see video promos and production images or submit your views by visiting: http://octagonbolton.blogspot.com

02 A quick word from

the Executive Director…

We strive for new heights and achievements

Whenever W S Gilbert (the witty one who wrote the lyrics for Sullivan’s songs) had to go backstage to see a fellow actor after a show he hadn’t enjoyed, he always used to say “my dear chap, good isn’t the word”. Well good is the word for the Octagon’s programme of work across the anniversary season (audiences up 30%) and the programme we look forward to sharing with you from January 2009 onwards. It features two co-productions with leading producing companies, one of which is the World Premiere of Alan Plater’s new musical Looking for Buddy. We also have Conor McPherson’s The Seafarer;

a brilliant and side-splitting Irish comedy, which scooped awards in the West End and London. On a more reflective note we shall be saying goodbye to our Artistic Director, Mark Babych, in June. Mark has been with the Theatre for 10 years and has directed a range of high quality, distinguished and award-winning productions. We bid him a fond farewell, while looking forward to a new era at the Octagon as we strive for new heights and achievements. John Blackmore

What’s on this season...

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Octagon productions

PAGE 04

Danny the Champion of the World

PAGE 06

Up Against the Wall

PAGE 08

The Caretaker

PAGE 10

Looking for Buddy

Special events and one nighters THEATRE:

MUSIC:

20 Ben, Nat and Baby Jack 21 Mine’s a Pint 22 Bolton University End of Year Showcase 22 Eroded Noise 24 My Mate Fancies You 24 World Wide Workshop

18 Cityscape Presents 20 An Evening of North American Music 22 The Specialists 23 Swing When You’re Winning

COMEDY:

16 Comedy at the Octagon 25 Comedy Mela

CHILDREN:

19 So You Think You’re a Superhero? 19 Pirate School 21 Katy and the Nurgla 24 Ian Billings – Out of his Mind

TALKS, SPOKEN WORD, POETRY AND PROSE:

17 The Talking Cure 17 Poetry and Prose 18 Writing for the Theatre 19 Write Out Loud 20 The Last Taboo 21 The Pendle Witches 25 Pre-show talk: The Seafarer

PAGE 12

PAGE 14

Oleanna

The Seafarer

Theatre information

Key to Octagon events

26 activ8 28 Our sponsors and patrons 29 Sponsorship opportunities 30 Spotlight Café 30 William Hare Bar 31 Venue hire 32 Getting to us, access and parking 32 Ticket pricing and seating plans 34 Season diary

To make it easy to pick the type of shows you like, look out for the following symbols:

Theatre

Talks, spoken word, poetry, prose

Music

Comedy

For children

Young persons

12 + Recommended age

OCTAGON PRODUCTION

In the pantomime season, the Octagon remains one of the few theatres in the area providing a refreshing, alternative form of entertainment…a real family treat MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

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5 +

Extra savings with a family ticket

FRI 21 NOV – SAT 17 JAN THE OCTAGON THEATRE, BOLTON PRESENTS

Danny the Champion of the World WRITTEN BY ROALD DAHL ADAPTED FOR STAGE BY DAVID WOOD DIRECTOR MARK BABYCH

Image Joel Chester Fildes and William Chitham

DESIGNER HELEN GODDARD

The Octagon’s award-winning productions of Roald Dahl’s work return with the beloved tale of Danny the Champion of the World. This new adaptation has all the classic elements of a Dahl favourite: overbearing adults, persecuted animals and the child who triumphs against the odds.

Danny the Champion of the World is a story of danger and daring, excitement and invention: Danny has the most marvellous father a boy could wish for, but one day Danny wakes up in the night to find his dad has disappeared. Danny knows his dad is keeping a secret, and demands to be told the truth. Together they hatch a cunning plan… James and the Giant Peach won the 2007 MEN award for Best Family Show.

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Mornings 10.15am* Matinees 2.15pm* Evenings 7.15pm* * Performances vary daily; for details please call the Ticket Office TICKET PRICES £8.50 - £15.95

Discounts available including Season Tickets, groups, schools and families Family tickets: £46 / £41 SPECIAL DIARY DATES

Audio Described performance 9 Jan British Sign Language interpreted performance 19 Dec THEATRE SPACE

For more information, visit: www.octagonbolton.co.uk/DannytheChampion.asp

Space Main Auditorium Seating layout End On

OCTAGON PRODUCTION

A show-biz parody with gorgeously cheesy costumes and abundant hits DAILY MAIL

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THURS 29 JAN – SAT 28 FEB THE OCTAGON THEATRE, BOLTON & NITRO PRESENT

Up Against the Wall SEA TICKSON ET se ns savaintional gs!

WRITTEN BY FELIX CROSS AND PAULETTE RANDALL DIRECTOR PAULETTE RANDALL DESIGNER LIBBY WATSON

Up Against the Wall is a big, bold and brash comedy musical with over twenty great soul and funk songs from the 70s performed entirely live by five actor/singers and a fabulous fivepiece band.

Henry is the leader of The Emperors of Funk, a band full of afros, flares and medallions, performing the greatest soul and funk songs of the 70s: from Shaft

to Superfly; Sex Machine to Carwash; Across 110th Street and straight on to Boogie Wonderland. Henry has been preaching the gospel of soul and funk to the dwindling masses for nearly thirty years. The clubs get smaller, the money too…. glamorous it ain’t. Then along comes Gloria; a beautiful and talented backing singer, giving the band a supercharged new lease of life and the chance of a lifetime; to perform at the legendary Funkfest! Will the band triumph or see their dreams come crashing down around their ears?

For more information, visit: www.octagonbolton.co.uk/UpAgainsttheWall.asp

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Evenings 7.30pm Matinees Sat 14 and 21 Feb, Wed 25 Feb. 2pm TICKET PRICES £9 - £18.50

Discounts available including Season Tickets, groups, schools and young person’s £4 Tickets SPECIAL DIARY DATES

Bargain Nights 29, 30 Jan and 2 Feb Meet the director and cast 3 Feb Audio Described performance 25 Feb British Sign Language interpreted performance 26 Feb THEATRE SPACE

Space Main Auditorium Seating layout Thrust

OCTAGON PRODUCTION

There are some plays that you should have watched at least once in your life. The Caretaker is one of them THE INDEPENDENT

call: 01204 520661 click: www.octagonbolton.co.uk

THURS 5 MAR – SAT 28 MAR THE OCTAGON THEATRE, BOLTON PRESENTS

The Caretaker ASSOCIA TED EVE The NT Talking see page Cure 17

SEA TICKSON ET se

Image Joel Chester Fildes and William Chitham

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WRITTEN BY HAROLD PINTER DIRECTOR MARK BABYCH

The physical clutter and mental despair; The Caretaker was surely the inspiration for Galton and Simpson’s much more mainstream but similarly unsettling Steptoe and Son The Stage

Written in 1960, The Caretaker was an immediate hit with critics and audiences; receiving awards and standing ovations. Two brothers and a tramp fight and manoeuvre in a territorial battle for supremacy; their histories, personalities and unyielding wills become embroiled

in a classic power struggle. None of the characters can be trusted to tell you the truth, and the three men appear to delude themselves even as they attempt to manipulate each other. The action moves from wild hilarity to poignant tragedy whilst fantasy and reality collide with ever increasing dramatic intensity. The conversations are funny, the experiences moving and the subject matter dark. Pinter’s handling of complex issues, his powerful use of dialogue and his skill at portraying the depth of what is unsaid, all contribute to The Caretaker’s position as a masterpiece and established Pinter as one of the greatest post-war dramatists.

For more information, visit: www.octagonbolton.co.uk/TheCaretaker.asp

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Evenings 7.30pm Matinees Wed 18 Mar and Sat 28 Mar. 2pm TICKET PRICES £9.00 - £18.50

Discounts available including Season Tickets, groups, schools and young person’s £4 tickets SPECIAL DIARY DATES

Bargain Nights 5, 6 and 9 Mar Meet the director and cast 10 Mar Audio Described performance 25 Mar British Sign Language interpreted performance 26 Mar THEATRE SPACE

Space Main Auditorium Seating layout Thrust

OCTAGON PRODUCTION

The Octagon is still setting the standards for North West theatre… Forget the weather and the World Cup – the Octagon has a hot-shot winner you simply must see Manchester Evening News on Blonde Bombshells of 1943

call: 01204 520661 click: www.octagonbolton.co.uk

15 12

THURS 2 APR – SAT 25 APR THE OCTAGON THEATRE, BOLTON AND LIVE THEATRE PRESENT

Looking for Buddy D WORL RE E I M E PR

SEA TICKSON ET se

Image Joel Chester Fildes and William Chitham

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WRITTEN BY ALAN PLATER ORIGINAL SCORE BY ALAN BARNES DIRECTOR MARK BABYCH

Alan Plater, the renowned TV writer and playwright (from ZCars to Fortunes of War), who created the hit musical Blonde Bombshells of 1943, has teamed up with award-winning multi-instrumentalist Alan Barnes to bring the World Premiere of a new musical to the Octagon. Looking for Buddy is a musical with an original jazz score, a dark and mysterious atmosphere and a Geordie Philip Marlowe, which takes a wry, witty and surreal look at the new Tyneside.

Meet Phil, an underemployed architect; Ella, a beautiful blonde who isn’t really blonde and Fat Jack who isn’t really fat. All are haunted by the music of Buddy Bolden, a legendary New Orleans trumpet player who never recorded and nobody really knows what he sounded like. Then Zelda arrives from another galaxy (or perhaps London), carrying the solution to the area’s problems: a regeneration scheme for North Tyneside! She’s delivering the Holy Grail, and knows it. And that is when the story really starts... Please note: There may be smoking on stage during this production.

For more information, visit: www.octagonbolton.co.uk/Buddy.asp

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Evenings 7.30pm Matinees Wed 15 Apr and Sat 25 Apr. 2pm TICKET PRICES £9.00 - £18.50

Discounts available including Season Tickets, groups, schools and young person’s £4 tickets SPECIAL DIARY DATES

Bargain Nights 2, 3 and 6 Apr Meet the director and cast 7 Apr Audio Described performance 22 Apr British Sign Language interpreted performance 23 Apr THEATRE SPACE

Space Main Auditorium Seating layout Thrust

OCTAGON PRODUCTION

It could not be more direct in its technique or more incendiary in its ambitions NEW YORK TIMES

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THURS 30 APR – SAT 23 MAY THE OCTAGON THEATRE, BOLTON PRESENTS

Oleanna SEA TICKSON ET se

Image Joel Chester Fildes and William Chitham

ns savaintional gs!

WRITTEN BY DAVID MAMET

Which ever side you take, you’re wrong. A truly profound play from the author of Glengarry Glen Ross. Oleanna delves into the savage power struggle between a university professor and one of his female students. She accuses him of sexual harassment, he says she’s maliciously misinterpreting his behaviour. In the no-man’s land between the two genders, the misunderstanding deepens. The drama unfolds and we watch helplessly as it moves towards an astonishing, explosive climax.

So powerful is leading American playwright David Mamet’s writing, that during its New York and London runs, fights broke out in the audiences. Is it age old male predatory harassment? Or is it rampant, feminist propaganda, hell-bent on castrating the male ego? Only you can decide.

The writing is rich, flexible, masterly TIME OUT

Please note: This play contains some strong language.

For more information, visit: www.octagonbolton.co.uk/Oleanna.asp

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Evenings 7.30pm Matinees Wed 13 May and Sat 23 May. 2pm TICKET PRICES £9.00 - £18.50

Discounts available including Season Tickets, groups, schools and young person’s £4 tickets SPECIAL DIARY DATES

Bargain Nights 30 Apr, 1 and 4 May Meet the director and cast 5 May Audio Described performance 20 May British Sign Language interpreted performance 21 May THEATRE SPACE

Space Main Auditorium Seating layout Thrust

OCTAGON PRODUCTION

The liveliest, funniest dialogue yet written by Mr. McPherson The New York Times

The comedy starts early as the inhabitants nurse hangovers and try to remember the night before British Theatre Guide

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THURS 4 JUN – SAT 27 JUN THE OCTAGON THEATRE, BOLTON PRESENTS

The Seafarer ASSOCIA Seafare TED EVENT r pre-s see pagehow talk 25

SEA TICKSON ET se

Image Joel Chester Fildes and William Chitham

ns savaintional gs!

drink flows, a poker game ensues; the night wears on and the stakes get dangerously DIRECTOR MARK BABYCH high. With a theatrical flourish, the night builds inexorably towards its unexpected and Conor McPherson, the award-winning Irish enthralling conclusion. playwright (The Weir, Shining City), is The Seafarer is Mark Babych’s back with another hilarious and unsettling tale. valedictory production, the last in a Magnificently atmospheric and superbly remarkable line of Irish productions; A Skull funny, The Seafarer takes place on in Connemara, Lonesome West, The Christmas Eve in a miserable living room Weir and Shining City. in a coastal town north of Dublin. Hard drinker Sharky returns home to look after Loose, lusty storytelling his blind brother. He attempts a Christmas TIME OUT off the booze, but has to contend with his Please note: This play contains frequent use drunk brother, two old drinking buddies and of strong language. There may be smoking on an enigmatic stranger as the men wind each stage during this production. other up and get wild on whiskey. As the WRITTEN BY CONOR MCPHERSON

For more information, visit: www.octagonbolton.co.uk/Seafarer.asp

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Evenings 7.30pm Matinees Wed 17 Jun and Sat 27 Jun. 2pm TICKET PRICES £9.00 - £18.50

Discounts available including Season Tickets, groups, schools and young person’s £4 tickets SPECIAL DIARY DATES

Bargain Nights 4, 5 and 8 Jun Meet the director and cast 9 Jun Audio Described performance 24 Jun British Sign Language interpreted performance 25 Jun THEATRE SPACE

Space Main Auditorium Seating layout Thrust

16 Special events

and one nighters NEW!

Welcome to the fantastic range of special events and one-nighters that accompany our main season productions. Taking place in all of the Octagon’s spaces, events range from comedy to music, talks to dance, poetry to children’s theatre; whatever your age or your tastes you’ll find something to enjoy and to inspire you. As a Season Ticket holder you’ll get 10% off all of the special events, giving you the opportunity to make further savings.

ur Don’t forget yo Season Ticket! Office on Call the Ticket get yours to 01204 520661

TUES 3 MAR Urban Comedy Comedy at the Octagon Are you sick of repeats and reality shows on the telly? Are you ready to see the comedic stars of the future? Then now is the time to head down to the Octagon bar for a brand new regular comedy night with real live comedians. Presented by Urban Comedy, the North’s top comedy night provider, you’ll be treated to an evening of belly laughs and fun, with one headline act and two newcomers. www.urbancomedy.co.uk www.octagonbolton.co.uk/UrbanComedy.asp Performance time 8.00pm (doors open 7.30pm) Ticket price £6 Space William Hare Bar

Urban Comedy Presents also held on 28 April

call: 01204 520661 click: www.octagonbolton.co.uk

THURS 5 MAR – SAT 28 MAR

The Caretaker see page 8 & 9 for more details

WED 4 MAR Rachel Morris The Talking Cure

In the 80s stiff upper lips were the order of the day and laughing at the Americans for their earnest navelgazing was a national sport. Today, we live in a therapy culture where no newspaper, television or radio programme is without psychological experts advising us on every aspect of our lives. Rachel is a psychotherapist, and has worked in front of the camera and behind the scenes for TV including Big Brother, BBC’s Little Angels, Richard & Judy, Help! I’m a Teen Mum and The Oprah Winfrey Show. She has private practices in Manchester and London, and is the author of The Single Parent’s Handbook. This talk relates to one of the themes in The Caretaker. www.octagonbolton.co.uk/TalkingCure.asp Performance time 7.30pm Ticket price £5 Space William Hare Bar

MON 9 MAR The University of Bolton Poetry and Prose

Poetry and Prose Events are also held on:

first collection of poetry, Linda Chase: Linda’s lished by Fatchance Press These Goodbyes, was pub in 1995. try has appeared in Chris Woods: Chris’s poe spapers including new and s ine numerous magaz l, The Guardian, The The British Medical Journa , PN Review, The Spectator iew Independent, Poetry Rev plement. and The Times Literar y Sup

MON 23 MAR

The Octagon Theatre’s Principal Sponsor, The University of Bolton, is pleased to present a series of poetry and prose events. Please see the website for the full biographies of all performers. www.octagonbolton.co.uk/ SS09PoetryandProse.asp

MON 11 MAY

Performance time 7.30pm Ticket price £4 (£2 concessions) Space Hospitality Suite

SUPPORTED BY

-born Janette is the Janette Jenkins: Bolton Day and Another bus author of the novels Colum Elvis Love Child. the author of The Truth Adam Foulds: Adam is es which won The Sunday About These Strange Tim Year Award. the Times Young Writer of

Kathryn is the author of Kathryn Simmonds: rette (2008). She was one Sunday at the Skin Launde s in the 2005 Bridport ner win of the supplementary to Eat an Elephant. Prize with her story How the author of the Jon McGregor: Jon is el If Nobody Speaks of critically acclaimed first nov the youngest contender s wa He . Remarkable Things the longlist for the 2002 and only first novelist on Man Booker Prize.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND ONE NIGHTERS

SAT 14 MAR Cityscape Presents Cityscape Presents continues with another four evenings showcasing the best acts from Bolton and the North West’s lively music scene. Set in the intimate surroundings of the Octagon’s Studio Theatre, with cabaret-style seating and table service for drinks, Cityscape Presents offers a relaxed and entertaining introduction to up and coming local musical talent. Cityscape Presents on 18 April is a one-off acoustic evening. www.octagonbolton.co.uk/CityscapeSS09.asp Performance time 7.30pm Ticket price £9 (£7 concessions) Space Bill Naughton Studio Theatre (BNT)

Cityscape Presents events are also held on 18 Apr, 9 May and 26 Jun

WED 18 MAR University of Bolton Writing for the Theatre

The Octagon Theatre prides itself on its history of producing World Premieres. As part of the Theatre’s partnership with the University of Bolton, Les Smith and Martin Thomasson, award-winning authors of last year’s smash And Did Those Feet and creative writing lecturers at the University, are running a series of one hour workshops on techniques for writing for the theatre. Each workshop covers a different aspect of the creative process. Please see the website for details of each workshop from 1 February 09. www.octagonbolton.co.uk/WritingForTheatre.asp Workshop time 6.00pm Ticket price £5 per workshop or £15 for 4 Space Hospitality Suite

Workshop dates: Wed 18 Mar, Tues 21 Apr, Wed 13 May and Tues 9 Jun

THURS 2 APR – SAT 25 APR

Looking for Buddy see page 10 & 11 for more details 4 – 11

SAT 21 MAR Big Adventures Theatre Company So You Think You’re a Superhero?

Eugene doesn’t want to go to school anymore. He’s fed up of being made to feel different. Is he destined for a life of being picked on, or will he discover that he could be some kind of superhero? Follow the adventures of a group of unlikely superhero students at the Superheroes International High School. Come and join in the music, movement and mayhem with the company who brought you Molly’s Muddle. www.octagonbolton.co.uk/ SS09ChildrensTheatre.asp Performance time 11.00am and 2.00pm Ticket price £8 (£6 concessions) Space Bill Naughton Studio Theatre (BNT)

call: 01204 520661 click: www.octagonbolton.co.uk

4 – 9

MON 30 MAR Octagon Theatre Write Out Loud

SAT 11 APR Pandora’s Box Theatre Company Pirate School

Write Out Loud returns with local poetry, prose, song and original writing. The evening features the much-loved open-mic slot. If you’ve ever thought about getting up and performing your own work, or you’re interested in hearing new and fresh work, this is the night for you. www.octagonbolton.co.uk/ SS09WriteOutLoud.asp

Do you want to learn how to read a treasure map? Talk to a parrot? Sail a ship? Then come and join Pirate School for this special swash-buckling assembly at the world famous Skull’n’Crossbone School of Modern Piracy. Put on your best pirate costume and come and relive some of the most exciting adventures of the pirate pupils. Following their successful touring productions of Burglar Bill and Little Red Riding Wolf, Pirate School comes to life with plenty of comedy, songs, storytelling, puppetry, and audience participation. Jump aboard the pirate ship and you’ll never get seasick again! www.octagonbolton.co.uk/ SS09ChildrensTheatre.asp

Performance time 8.00pm (doors open 7.30pm) Ticket price £3 (£2 concessions) Space William Hare Bar

Write Out Loud also held on Mon 1 June

Performance time 11.00am and 2.00pm Ticket price £8 (£6 concessions) Space Bill Naughton Studio Theatre (BNT)

SPECIAL EVENTS AND ONE NIGHTERS

FRI 17 APR Risa Hall An Evening of North American Music

THURS 30 APR – SAT 23 MAY

Oleanna see page 12 & 13 for more details 14 +

THURS 23 APR Loudmouth Theatre Company Ben, Nat and Baby Jack

MON 27 APR Apples & Snakes The Last Taboo

I can’t believe it. On the last scan it just looked like a bit of play dough BEN, 18

We just sat there looking at him and smiling…our baby! Then it hit me... NAT, 15

This North American Night features Risa Hall as the headline act, with support from Seattle’s Holly Burton and Canada’s Sloganeer. Risa is originally from Forest Hills, New York and recently toured in the Big Apple playing Rockwood Music Hall and Banjo Jim’s in June. Her EP Apple Tarte has received critical acclaim. Risa is currently recording her first full album and is now affiliated with RIP records in Manchester. www.octagonbolton.co.uk/RisaHall.asp Performance time 7.30pm Ticket price £8 (£6 concessions) Space Bill Naughton Studio Theatre (BNT)

Lyrically courageous, musically eclectic and moving compositions performed with genuine inspiration BBC on RISA HALL

We follow the changing relationship of Ben and Nat from finding out the news that they are going to be parents, up until Jack is a toddler. The play uses humour and drama and Nat and Ben talk to the audience about the way that they feel about parenthood and their changing relationship. www.octagonbolton.co.uk/BabyJack.asp Performance time 7.00pm Ticket price £6 (£4 concessions) Space Bill Naughton Studio Theatre (BNT)

A night of provocative poetry, dramatic dance and syncopated sound as Chanje delves into the most dangerous, hot and explosive voices of today. A journey that includes the theme of adultery, the desire of violence and the vocal and physical exploration of forbidden thoughts. Chanje Kunda is a poet, writer and emcee, who has worked with some of the most influential modern poets including Benjamin Zephaniah, Linton Kwesi Johnson and Lemn Sissay. Chanje has performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Rise London Unite Festival and represented the UK at the Calabash Festival in Jamaica. This performance is accompanied by an exhibition in the bar by Miselo Kunda. www.octagonbolton.co.uk/LastTaboo.asp Performance time 7.30pm Ticket price £5 (£3 concessions) Space William Hare Bar

call: 01204 520661 click: www.octagonbolton.co.uk

13 +

3 – 8

THURS 7 MAY Octagon Theatre The Pendle Witches

THURS 14 MAY Dramatically Healthy Mine’s a Pint

SAT 16 MAY Pandora’s Box Theatre Company Katy and the Nurgla

The Pendle Witches lived during a troubled time in England’s history; an era of superstition, religious persecution and political intrigue. Their fascinating story is brought to life by John Doughty, lecturer and Pendle Witch expert, who returns after last year’s sell-out talk. www.octagonbolton.co.uk/ PendleWitchesSS09.asp

An exciting piece of new theatre aiming to provoke, question and resonate within the lives of young people; Mine’s a Pint explores the issues of alcohol abuse, underage drinking and relationships through an energetic piece of contemporary theatre. Following the performance, Dramatically Healthy invites you to take part in a post-show workshop to explore the issues raised within the performance. To take part, reserve your place on the workshop at no additional cost when buying your ticket. (Places are limited & subject to availability) www.octagonbolton.co.uk/APintPlease.asp

Katy’s holiday in Majorca turns into an unexpected adventure when she meets the Nurgla, a mysterious sea monster with an eventful past. Together, they explore how two ‘chalk and cheese’ individuals learn to love each other’s differences and create a special friendship. Pandora’s Box brings this beautiful story of friendship to life by using a colourful mixture of puppetry, music, comedy and a little magic. Goon Show star Sir Harry Secombe wrote this (his first children’s story) for his daughter Katy, who grew up to be a co-founder of Pandora’s Box. www.octagonbolton.co.uk/SS09Chil drensTheatre.asp

Performance time 7.30pm Ticket price £5 Space Bill Naughton Studio Theatre (BNT)

Performance time 7.00pm Ticket price £6 (£4 concessions) Space Bill Naughton Studio Theatre (BNT)

Performance time 11.00am and 2.00pm Ticket price £8 (£6 concessions) Space Bill Naughton Studio Theatre (BNT)

SPECIAL EVENTS AND ONE NIGHTERS

12 +

WED 20 MAY – THURS 21 MAY University of Bolton End of Year Showcase

The Octagon Theatre continues its run of events in partnership with its Principal Sponsor, the University of Bolton, as the University presents an end of year showcase of poetry, prose and drama by students on the creative writing course. www.octagonbolton.co.uk/SS09Showcase.asp Performance time 7.30pm Ticket price Free (tickets must be booked at Ticket Office) Space Bill Naughton Studio Theatre (BNT)

FRI 22 MAY Gathered Earth Eroded Noise

There is no such thing as silence and no such thing as stillness. There is movement and rhythm in everything. What happens to truth when you take away words? Who gives one person the power to silence another, to erode our meaningful noise? From a tangle of rope and personal experience – an umbilical cord connecting contemporary Britain to African ancestry – emerges a deep-rooted expression of identity, spirit and the struggle to find space where your true voice can be heard. Lullabies, laments, jazz scat and twisted beat box combine in a dance theatre symphony, scratching at the boundaries of rhythm, language and sound. www.octagonbolton.co.uk/ErodedNoise.asp Performance time 7.30pm Ticket price £9 (£7 concessions) Space Bill Naughton Studio Theatre (BNT)

THURS 28 MAY Pluck The Specialists What happens when great music falls into the hands of talented idiots? You get the world’s funniest string trio. Brilliant musicianship, brilliant clowning; this is the most riotous classical music comedy you’ll ever see. The award winning Pluck has taken the world by storm with its hilarious spoof classical concerts. Now, for one night only, it’s the Octagon Theatre’s turn to enjoy Pluck’s melodic buffoonery as they wreak havoc between harmonies. Bring the family and enjoy an evening of musical mayhem. It’s Mozart meets The Marx Brothers! www.octagonbolton.co.uk/TheSpecialists.asp Performance time 7.30pm Ticket price £12 (£10 concessions) Space Main Auditorium

Gloriously funny THE SCOTSMAN

…a mix of sweet music and complete mayhem… TIME OUT

THURS 4 JUN – SAT 27 JUN

The Seafarer see page 14 & 15 for more details U

FRI 29 MAY The Northern Swing Orchestra Swing When You’re Winning

Live on stage with a 17 piece orchestra is Tony Lewis, finalist from BBC1’s The One And Only tribute show. Tony hails from Leigh and despite touring the world as a top Robbie tribute, he is happiest when performing to a local audience. Bolton-based Big Band, the Northern Swing Orchestra presents all the great swing tunes, as performed by Robbie, including Have You Met Miss Jones?, Mack the Knife, Beyond the Sea and many more. www.octagonbolton.co.uk/Swing.asp Performance time 7.30pm Ticket price £12 (£10 concessions) Space Main Auditorium

call: 01204 520661 click: www.octagonbolton.co.uk

SPECIAL EVENTS AND ONE NIGHTERS

14 +

THURS 11 JUN Loudmouth Theatre Company My Mate Fancies You

At 10 Claire and Daniel were best friends At 11 they hardly spoke At 12 they had their first date At 12½ their first fight At 13 she had her first kiss, but not with him At 14….? It’s so unfair, I’ve got loads of spots. It looks like I’ve got one of those dot to dots on my face DANIEL, 13

www.octagonbolton.co.uk/MyMate.asp Performance time 7.00pm Ticket price £6 (£4 concessions) Space Bill Naughton Studio Theatre (BNT)

FRI 12 JUN Refugee Theatre World Wide Workshop

In 2006 the Royal Exchange Theatre launched its Refugee Theatre Company (RTC). This ongoing group is made up of both professional artists and participants, many of whom have little or no experience of the performing arts. To date the RTC has created four pieces of theatre, which played to sell out audiences at the Royal Exchange. Their new piece will be shown in the Octagon’s Bill Naughton Studio Theatre. Please see the website for full details of previous work. www.octagonbolton.co.uk/WorldWide.asp Performance time 7.30pm Ticket price £6 (£4 concessions) Space Bill Naughton Studio Theatre (BNT)

7 +

SAT 13 JUN Ian Billings - Out of his Mind! Enter the wonky bonkers world of kid’s comic and author, Ian Billings, for a tickle-filled hour of chuckle puns and giggle gags. Do dinner ladies come from outer space? Can Ian play the entire human race? What is a Ninja Teacha? What is a Snot Monster? Be prepared for belly laughs – remember to bring your belly. Children’s comic, poet and author Ian has been at the forefront of children’s entertainment for over twenty years. 2007 saw the publication of two new children’s books from Macmillan and the premiere of his stand-up comedy show Talking Pants! at Edinburgh Festival Fringe. www.octagonbolton.co.uk/ SS09ChildrensTheatre.asp Performance time 11.00am and 2.00pm Ticket price £8 (£6 concessions) Space Bill Naughton Studio Theatre (BNT)

what’s new?

call: 01204 520661 click: www.octagonbolton.co.uk

the octagon blog

visit: http://octagonbolton.blogspot.com NEW!

WED 17 JUN University of Bolton Pre-show talk: The Seafarer

A pre-performance talk by Martin Thomasson and Brid Andrews of the University of Bolton will discuss the work of Conor McPherson in the context of contemporary Irish drama. www.octagonbolton.co.uk/Pre-showSeafarer.asp Performance time 6.00pm Ticket price £5 Space Hospitality Suite

FRI 19 JUN Urban Comedy Comedy Mela New to the Octagon; a comedy night featuring the best of the North West’s Asian comedy talent. Presented by Urban Comedy, the North’s top comedy night provider, you’ll be treated to an evening of hilarity and fun, with one headline act and two newcomers. Set in the intimate Bill Naughton Studio Theatre (BNT) in cabaret style so that you can enjoy your drinks at your table. www.urbancomedy.co.uk www.octagonbolton.co.uk/AsianComedy.asp Performance time 8.00pm (doors open 7.30pm) Ticket price £8 (£6 concessions) Space Bill Naughton Studio Theatre (BNT)

Images Joel Chester Fildes and Zoe Keenan

26 Like the theatre?

then get involved!

call: 01204 520661 click: www.octagonbolton.co.uk

activ8 is the participatory wing of the Octagon Theatre and offers people of all ages, in Bolton and the North West, the opportunity to get involved, on stage and behind the scenes. ctiv8 has eleven youth theatre groups across Bolton a for young people aged 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 18 activ8 runs summer school and holiday projects including a Play in a Week every half-term activ8 creates workshops and projects for primary and secondary schools activ8 runs art-beat; a programme of creative activities for the over 50s activ8 runs a volunteer scheme and a trainee scheme activ8 works in partnership with other youth agencies to create issue-focused theatre projects activ8 creates bespoke, interactive training packages for businesses and organisations To find out more about these projects, workshops or any of the other work activ8 undertakes, please contact us on 01204 556501, email jennifer.riding@octagonbolton. co.uk or visit www.octagonbolton.co.uk/activ8.asp

28 Our sponsors and patrons

Principal Patron

Sue Hodgkiss, DL

I am a firm believer that involvement in theatre can make an enormous difference to peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives both as part of the community and individually. It can inspire and inform and bring tears and laughter in equal measure. The Octagon has demonstrated this over the years by the position it holds in the cultural life of the region. As Principal Patron, I am particularly proud of how the theatre has brought the joys of theatre to those who would not otherwise have access to the arts, through its education and community programme activ8. Sue Hodgkiss, DL

Principal Sponsor

The University of Bolton The University looks forward to the new season of plays at the Octagon and the rich programme of extra events, a number of which we are presenting in partnership with the Theatre. We pride ourselves on being a university that is a centre for professional and career development; developing graduates who are actively engaged in their chosen profession. Our sponsorship and partnership with the Octagon is of great benefit for our staff, students and alumni. We are delighted with our unique, growing relationship and see the Octagon as a remarkable institution, which will go on to greater heights in the years to come. I hope you enjoy the coming season. Mark Allanson Director of External Relations

The Octagon Theatre

Patrons

M onica Ali E mma Atkins S tephen Beckett L ynda Bellingham A nna Brecon M ark Charnock B rigit Forsyth N icholas Gleaves S hobna Gulati M ike Harding J ane Harrison J ulie Hesmondhalgh J eff Hordley D r Brian Iddon MP M atthew Kelly R uth Kelly MP N oreen Kershaw A yub Khan-Din W yllie Longmore R ita Markland J ohn McArdle M axine Peake A lan Plater R obert Powell L esley Sharp D ave Spikey P eter Tonge J ulie Walters B ernard Wrigley

interested

call: 01204 520661 click: www.octagonbolton.co.uk

in being a sponsor?

Call 01204 556508 for more information

Octagon Theatre partnership opportunities

Principal Patron

Becoming a corporate member of the award-winning Octagon Theatre is a brilliant way to combine advertising with corporate hospitality.

Principal Sponsor

From bronze, silver and gold membership through to being the named sponsor of an Octagon Theatre Main House production, there’s an option for every budget. Options include • Gala evenings • Ticket deals • Pre and post show buffets • Welcome drinks • Bespoke packages Talk to us about your requirements and we’ll recommend the best option to suit you.

Sue Hodgkiss, DL

Production Sponsors Education and Community Sponsors

Thanks also to: Jane Harrison and Zonya Marsh

Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors

Call 01204 556508 to find out more. Media Sponsors

APCOA

Fujitsu

Barlow Andrews

Chartered Accountants

INFORMATION

William Hare Bar With beautiful views over Le Mans Crescent, as well as stunning photographs of previous Octagon productions and a range of art exhibitions, the William Hare Bar offers the perfect location for a pre-show, interval or post-show drink.

We support Fairtrade, sell halal sandwiches, breakfast baps, daytime snacks, lunches and afternoon teas. Enjoy the fabulous view of Bolton’s historic Le Mans Crescent while you eat or meet for coffee. Pre-theatre dining advance booking is essential The Café offers a pre-theatre dining menu from just £6.95. We are happy to help with specific dietary requirements. Opening hours: Mondays to Saturdays 10am – 3pm and from 6pm on performance evenings. Tel: 01204 556500 Visit our website for more information and for current menus. www.octagonbolton.co.uk/Spotlight.asp

The Bar also plays host to a number of special events, including poetry, comedy, talks and acoustic music. See our website for more details. Opening hours: From 6.00pm each performance evening. From 1pm for matinees Contact info@octagonbolton.co.uk or call Gemma Hack on 01204 556508 if you are interested in exhibiting in the William Hare Bar.

Visiting with a group? Book a meal or buffet pre or post show at the Octagon’s Spotlight Café. Bringing a group of children to watch a show? Why not book a Children’s Buffet before or after the show (from £3.90 per child when booking for a group of 10). Group bookings: We’ll reserve a private area for your party bookings – choose between the Octagon’s Hospitality Suite or your own section of the William Hare Bar.

Need more

information?

call 01204 556508

Venue hire With a number of versatile spaces to choose from (the Bar, Hospitality Suite, Studio Theatre and Main Auditorium) the Octagon makes a unique venue for meetings, corporate events, presentations, lectures, conferences and functions. • The Octagon is in the heart of Bolton, close to rail, bus and road links • Accessible, secure parking next door • Rooms are available from just £30 per hour • We also have a range of catering options available to suit your needs Please call Gemma on 01204 556508 to discuss your requirements and we’ll advise you on the best option for your event or meeting.

Images from top to bottom: The Hospitality Suite, William Hare Bar, Main Auditorium

call: 01204 520661 click: www.octagonbolton.co.uk

32 Getting to us,

access and parking

Getting to us

Access

Information is available on request in large print and on audio CD

The Octagon is situated in the heart of Bolton town centre, within easy reach of all mainAYtrain, bus and road routes W PP and 5TOminutes walk from the bus and train station. Y

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Ticket prices and seating plans

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Car parking special £2 rate APCOA secure multi-storey car park Great Moor Street, Bolton BL1 1TN Tel: 01204 361722

Octagon Theatre patrons may park with APCOA for a special discounted rate of £2 per evening, after 5pm. Ask us how on 01204 520661. Please note: the car park closes early on Good Friday, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and is closed on Boxing Day.

Disabled Access/Blue Badge Holders The Octagon has a flat foyer entrance with lift access to the Main Auditorium and William Hare Bar. Wheelchair spaces are available in both theatre spaces, which must be booked in advance. Please mention any access requirements when booking. An accessible toilet is situated in the foyer.

SAT EVES

MON – FRI EVES

First Thurs, Fri and Mon

Stalls

£18.50

£16.50 full price £12.50 13.50 concessions

£11.50 full price £9 concessions

Gallery

£13.50

£11.50 full price £9.50 £9.50 concessions

£11.50 full price £9 concessions

University of Bolton staff/ students

n/a

£12.50 stalls £8.50 gallery

n/a

£8 all seats

Young persons (under 24) standby ticket

n/a

£4 all seats

n/a

£3 all seats

(max 2 tickets per booking, available maximum 3 days in advance)

Guide Dogs Guide dogs can stay with you in the auditorium or be looked after by a member of staff. Just let us know when booking.

activ8 member n/a standby ticket

£3 all seats

Infrared System To assist those with hearing impairment we offer an infrared system. Receivers must be reserved when booking.

Groups of 10 or more

10 – 20 people £12.50 per ticket all seats 21 – 50 people £11.50 per ticket all seats 51 or more £10.50 per ticket all seats

Audio Described and British Sign Language interpreted performances Please see show pages for details.

BARGAIN MATINEES NIGHTS

Groups of 10 or more receive 1 free organiser ticket

n/a

(max 2 tickets per booking, available maximum 3 days in advance)

n/a

10 or more people:

£8.50 per ticket all seats

Need help?

call: 01204 520661 click: www.octagonbolton.co.uk

please just ask

when you book your tickets

Auditorium seating plan This season, productions will be either End On or Thrust. Both have a simple two-band pricing system; stalls and gallery.

Stalls No seat is more than 9 rows from the stage Gallery A 2-row balcony on an elevated level. You may need to lean forward and look down for the best viewing position. Not suitable for the under 9s.

Ticket prices Family tickets: £45 (2 full price and 2 concessionary tickets price for non-festive shows.) Available Monday – Friday evenings. All children require a ticket. Gallery seats not suitable for younger children. We regret we cannot admit babes in arms. Schools tickets: Evenings: £9.50 (side stalls and gallery) Non-school matinees: £8.50 (side stalls and gallery) Schools matinees: £8.50 (all seats) 1 free adult ticket per 15 tickets. Available on all Octagon Productions except Saturday evenings and Bargain Nights Reserve now and pay later. All reservations to be paid in full 30 days in advance of performance booked. Catering options and discounted travel solutions are available. Please ask when booking.

Booking your tickets Concessionary tickets are available to: People under 16 Full-time students People over 60 Unemployed patrons Disabled patrons and their companion, including visually and hearing impaired patrons* Equity union members NCA (National Campaign for the Arts) cardholders Writers Guild members * note: essential carers for disabled patrons are entitled to a free ticket

Festive show ticket prices For all ticket prices and special discounts for the festive show, Danny the Champion of the World, please contact the Ticket Office.

Ticket office Telephone: 01204 520661 Opening hours: Mon – Sat Performance days: 10am – 7.30pm (until 7pm on the phone) Non-performance days: 10am – 5.30pm. Cheques and major credit cards are accepted. A 50p charge applies to bookings made by credit/debit cards. Tickets are posted out to you. 24hr ticket bookings www.octagonbolton.co.uk (booking fee applies) Give theatre as a gift Theatre Token Gift Vouchers are available for any occasion and for any value Data protection: The Octagon Theatre collects data in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

The Octagon Theatre Howell Croft South Bolton BL1 1SB

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Call: 01204 520661 Click: www.octagonbolton.co.uk

21 Nov – 17 Jan 29 Jan – 28 Feb 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar – 28 Mar 9 Mar 14 Mar 18 Mar 21 Mar 23 Mar 30 Mar 2 Apr – 25 Apr 11 Apr 17 Apr 18 Apr 21 Apr 23 Apr 27 Apr 28 Apr 30 Apr – 23 May 7 May 9 May 11 May 13 May 14 May 16 May 20 – 21 May 22 May 28 May 29 May 1 Jun 4 Jun – 27 Jun 9 Jun 11 Jun 12 Jun 13 Jun 17 Jun 19 Jun 26 Jun

SPRING SUMMER JAN 2009 – JUN 2009 Danny the Champion of the World Up Against the Wall Comedy at the Octagon The Talking Cure The Caretaker Poetry and Prose Cityscape Presents Writing for the Theatre So You Think You’re a Superhero? Poetry and Prose Write Out Loud Looking for Buddy Pirate School An Evening of North American Music Cityscape Presents Writing for the Theatre Ben, Nat and Baby Jack The Last Taboo Comedy at the Octagon Oleanna The Pendle Witches Cityscape Presents Poetry and Prose Writing for the Theatre Mine’s a Pint Katy and the Nurgla End of Year Showcase Eroded Noise The Specialists Swing When You’re Winning Write Out Loud The Seafarer Writing for the Theatre My Mate Fancies You World Wide Theatre Ian Billings – Out of his Mind Pre-show talk: The Seafarer Comedy Mela Cityscape Presents All information is accurate at the time of going to print. The Octagon Theatre reserves the right to make alterations if necessary. Registered Charity number: 248833

Design Caroline Ogden 07776 205 998 Copywriting Monika Neall Print Pelican Press 0161 273 3434

PRINCIPAL PATRON

Sue Hodgkiss, DL PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

PRODUCTION SPONSOR