octagon theatre bolton 2016 season brochure

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For those of you I haven’t been lucky enough tomeet yet, my name is Elizabeth. I am your newArtistic Director and it’s an honour to serve you.Bolton is an extraordinary town because of its greatpeople.

In the coming years we want to celebrate our loyalaudiences and reach out to new audiences that wehave yet to meet. We want the Octagon Theatre tobe a place for everyone, for all the people of Boltonand new visitors who we will welcome to the town.Everybody really is welcome. Help us spread theword!

From April 2016, the Octagon will make more workfor children and young people. You can bring youryoung children here to listen to stories in our newregularStoryplay sessions. These stories have beensuggested by audiences, participants and staffmembers - make sure you tell us what you wouldlike to see.

We will premiere The Macbeth Curse, a brand newplay by Terry Deary, writer of the wonderful HorribleHistoriesbooks. The Macbeth Cursewill be performedin our Studio Theatre, but we will also be taking itinto schools - so let us know if you would like us tovisit you!

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

We will produce our first young people’s productionin our main auditorium in the summer. The SecretGarden will be performed by 100 local young peoplewho will be supported by a team of actors, myselfand the rest of the new Artistic Team to present abrand new adaptation of this great story of love,family and friendship.

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

In the New Year we will also open our Studio doorsto new artists, companies and theatre makers. Wewill present over fifteen exciting new works in ourfirst Reveal season in June. This compliments ourproduction of the classic musical Singin’ in the Rain; asensational musical that celebrates truth, art and love.

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

Food also inspires our first Octagon Pleasure Beach.We will transform our main auditorium into agigantic seaside resort for the entire family to enjoyfree theatrical events during the Bolton Food andDrink Festival. You’ll also be able to catch ourfeminist Fairy Tales on Foot happening all overBolton, as we take theatre out onto the streets. Anoutside production will even be happening inBolton’s favourite chippy, the Olympus Fish and ChipShop in May 2016.

We don’t just perform plays for our audiences; youcan come in and take part. We want your ideas andyour experiences. We want to hear from you!

WE ARE PROUD OF BOLTON. WE ARE PROUD OF BOLTON’S PEOPLE. WE STRIVE TO MAKE BOLTON PROUD OF US.

Elizabeth NewmanOctagon Artistic Director

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THE OCTAGONPEOPLE’S THEATRE

The Octagon Theatre was built for the people of Bolton and we want to welcome more and more of thecommunity into the Theatre to take part.

Through all of our events, groups and activities we want toinspire more people to experience theatre and be morecreative themselves. We create theatre in the belief that itcan enrich our communities and fundamentally changepeople's lives for the better. Please come and participate inyour theatre - you might be surprised by some of the thingsthat you can do here.

There aren’t just events inside the Theatre; we work withindividuals and groups of all ages to create stimulating,challenging, and culturally relevant artistic programmes thatencourage creativity and nurture a love of theatre. TheArtistic Team lead a range of projects at the Octagon Theatreand 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 out more call 01204 556501 or visitwww.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

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THE OCTAGONPEOPLE’S THEATRE

The Octagon Theatre was built for the people of Bolton and we want to welcome more and more of thecommunity into the Theatre to take part.

Through all of our events, groups and activities we want toinspire more people to experience theatre and be morecreative themselves. We create theatre in the belief that itcan enrich our communities and fundamentally changepeople's lives for the better. Please come and participate inyour theatre - you might be surprised by some of the thingsthat you can do here.

There aren’t just events inside the Theatre; we work withindividuals and groups of all ages to create stimulating,challenging, and culturally relevant artistic programmes thatencourage creativity and nurture a love of theatre. TheArtistic Team lead a range of projects at the Octagon Theatreand 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 Lnd out more call 01204 556501 or visitwww.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 JeKerson, Bolton Camera Club, Zoe Keenan, Chris Tofalos

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PLATINUMADD ON add Look Back in Angerand Singin’ in the Rainfor £42only available to2015/16 PlatinumSeason ticket holders.

any performance, free parking,free programmes, 10% off foodand non-alcoholic drinks in caféeight, 10% off drinks in the bar,added value offers, prioritybooking, best available seats,flexibility to change dates,transferable to family and friends.

GOLDADD ON add Look Back in Angerand Singin’ in the Rainfor £32only available to2015/16 gold Seasonticket holders.

any performance excluding thefinal Saturday eveningperformance, discountedprogrammes, 10% off food andnon-alcoholic drinks in café eight,added value offers, prioritybooking, best available seats,flexibility to change dates,transferable to family and friends.

AlreAdy A 2015/16SeASon TickeT holder? Add LOOK BACK IN ANGERAnd SINGIN’ IN THE RAINAT A reduced loyAlTy rATe!

MAKE GREAT SAVINGS WITH AN OCTAGONSEASON TICKET!

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5 SHOWPLATINUM2016 SEASON TICKETall 5 shows for £115 any performance, free parking,free programmes, 10% off foodand non-alcoholic drinks in caféeight, 10% off drinks in the bar,added value offers, prioritybooking, best available seats,flexibility to change dates,transferable to family and friends.

5 SHOWGOLD2016 SEASON TICKETall 5 shows for £90 any performance excluding thefinal Saturday eveningperformance, discountedprogrammes, 10% off food andnon-alcoholic drinks in café eight,added value offers, prioritybooking, best available seats,flexibility to change dates,transferable to family and friends.

3 SHOWSILVER2016 SEASON TICKETany 3 shows for £60 any performance excludingSaturday evenings, discountedprogrammes, 10% off food andnon-alcoholic drinks in café eight,added value offers, prioritybooking, best available seats,flexibility to change dates,transferable to family and friends.

The beST SeATS AT AfrAcTion of The price!With an octagon Season Ticket youmake significant savings on the priceof your tickets as well as enjoyingsome great benefits. as a Season Ticket holder you cansecure the best available seats duringan early booking period before ticketsgo on general sale, there is flexibilityto change dates at any time, and theoption to transfer tickets to family andfriends free of charge.You will also benefit from discountedStudio Theatre offers throughout theseason.

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

add the Bfg for just £16

NEW 2016 5 SHOW SEASON TICKETS

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“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 frustratedwith the limitations of life and increasing political decay. He finds release forhis pent-up emotions by attacking his upper class wife Alison, whose loyaltyto her husband is seemingly at odds with his cruelty towards her. Thecouple’s close friend Cliff provides the sounding board that they both sodesperately need to gain perspective on their tragic, co-dependentrelationship.

Jimmy Porter embodies the frustrations of a generation of working class menyearning for something they never had - lamenting the fact that “there aren’tany good, brave causes left”. A celebration of linguistic vigour, JohnOsborne’s seminal play changed the way theatre presented working classvoices on stage, coining the phrase ‘angry young men’ to describe an entiregeneration of disillusioned artists and working class young men in post-World War Two British society.

2016 marks the 60th anniversary of Look Back In Angerwhich was firststaged at the Royal Court Theatre in 1956. In 1959 it was brought to life onfilm by a cast of iconic and charismatic actors, including Richard Burton andMary Ure.

Thu 7 – Sat 30 April 2016

Performance timesEvenings: 7.30pm5pm performance: Mon 18 apr2pm matinees: Sat 16, Sat 23, Wed 27 apr

ticket Prices £27 – £10.50Discounts 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 datesBargain 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, 7.30pmBSL: Wed 20 apr, 7.30pmCaptioned Performance: Thu 28 apr, 7.30pm The spoken word displayed on a unit to giveaccess for deaf, deafened and hard of hearingcustomers.

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Octagon Theatre Bolton and Derby Theatre present

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

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

Don’t miss the chance to see one of themost breathtaking musicals of all time, liveon stage at the Octagon Theatre.

Silent movie stars Don Lockwood and LinaLamont are riding high on success, lovedby audiences and studio execs alike - butnot each other! Linked romantically toheighten their popularity, the couple couldnot be more different. The introduction of anew era of ‘talkies’ is about to set the paireven more at odds - spelling disaster forLina, whose vocal range leaves a lot to bedesired. Desperate for the box officefavourites to remain at the height ofpopularity, a talented chorus girl, Kathy, isbrought in to provide Lina’s audio, settingoff a series of events that no movie execcould have scripted…

Made famous by the stunning tap danceroutines, memorable music, and on-screenchemistry between silver screen legendsDebbie Reynolds and Gene Kelly, Singin inthe Rain will be performed in all of itstechnicolour glory, featuring live music,dance, and, of course, rain!

Featuring all of your favourite songs fromthe 1952 MGM film, including GoodMorning, Make ‘Em Laugh, You Are My LuckyStarand the title song, Singin’ in the Rain!

Screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph GreenSongs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur FreedBased 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

Fri 3 – Sat 25 June 2016

Performance timesEvenings: 7.30pm5pm performance: Mon 13 Jun2pm 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 - £12.50Discounts available including SEaSon TicKETS,groups, schools and young person’s £6 tickets.See page 28 for full list of discounts.


Special diary datesBargain 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 thethemes and issues of the play, see page 26 formore information.audio described: Tue 14 Jun, 7.30pmBSL: Tue 21 Jun, 7.30pmCaptioned Performance: Fri 17 Jun, 7.30pmThe spoken word displayed on a unit to giveaccess for deaf, deafened and hard of hearingcustomers.

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Director: Elizabeth Newman

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Five rats. One romance. No cheese.It’s got all the traditional elements for a fabulous festive treat – a feistygirl who dreams of dressing up and dancing, a wicked stepmother,mean older sisters, and a slightly geeky Prince – but this Cinderella hasone big difference. The rats are in charge.

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

Cinderella is an entertaining and energetic production for the wholefamily from award-winning writer for children, Mike Kenny. Mike wasincluded in the Independent on Sunday's list of Top Ten LivingPlaywrights and his plays are performed regularly throughout the UKand all over the world. His adaptation of The Railway Childrenwonan Olivier Award for Best Entertainment.

Age Guidance: 5 years and over

Fri 18 Nov 2016 – Sat 14 Jan 2017

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Performance timesMornings: 10.30am* Matinees: 2.15pm*Evenings: 7pm** Performances vary daily, for details seeperformance diary on page 27.

ticket Prices £25 - £10Discounts available including SEaSon TicKETS,groups and schools. See page 27 for fullinformation on schools, groups and otherdiscounts.


Special diary datesRelaxed Performances: Fri 13 Jan 2017,11am & 7pmSee page 27 for more information aboutrelaxed Performances at the octagon.audio described: Fri 2 Dec, 7pm BSL: Fri 9 Dec, 7pmCaptioned Performance: Fri 16 Dec, 7pm The spoken word displayed on a unit to giveaccess for deaf, deafened and hard of hearingcustomers. age guidance: 5 years and overWe do not admit babes in arms (children under18 months)


BOOK NOW FOROUR 2016-17FESTIVE

SPECTACULAR!

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Performance timesMornings: 10.30am* Matinees: 2pm*,2.15pm* Evenings: 7pm** Performances vary daily, for details seeperformance diary on page 29.

ticket Prices £23 - £9.50Discounts available including SEaSonTicKETS, groups and schools. See page 29 forfull information on schools, groups and otherdiscounts.

auditorium Seating Plan

Special diary datesRelaxed Performances: Fri 8 Jan 2016,11am & 7pmSee page 29 for more information aboutrelaxed Performances at the octagon.

audio described: Fri 4 Dec, 7pm BSL: Fri 11 Dec, 7pmCaptioned performance:Thu 17 Dec, 7pmThe spoken word displayed on a unit to giveaccess for deaf, deafened and hard of hearingcustomers.

age guidance: 5 years and overWe do not admit babes in arms (childrenunder 18 months)

Box office: 01204 520661www.octagonbolton.co.uk

Octagon Theatre Bolton presents

Fri 13 November 2015 – Sat 9 January 2016

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unlike the others Sophie comes across in thisexhilarating tale; the BFG is funny, friendlyand full of surprises, and it’s not long beforehe and Sophie embark upon all sorts ofexciting adventures, becoming best friendsin the process!

Using David Wood’s exceptional adaptationof the classic children’s book, the OctagonTheatre will delight and surprise audiences ofall ages with an exciting and stimulating set,and a brand new director and cast.Visit the Official Roald Dahl Website, which is packedwith information and up to date news from the Worldof Roald Dahl, by clicking through towww.roalddahl.com

For more information about David Wood, visitwww.davidwood.org.uk

“Any child not delighted by The BFG musthave a head filled with squashed flies anddeserves to be fed for a year ondisgustatious snozzcumbers.”The Guardian

This swishwifflingly scrumdiddlyumptiouswonderland will be brought to life on theOctagon stage - filled with good dreams,greedy giants, snozzcumbers, frobscottles,and even the Queen of England!

Unable to fall asleep in her bedroom in thevillage orphanage, Sophie spies a huge andmysterious figure blowing something intobedroom windows down the street. Beforeshe has a chance to hide, the giant snatchesup the little girl and whisks her away to hishome in Giant Country. But this giant is

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Performance timesEvenings: 7.30pm5pm performance: Mon 1 Feb2pm matinees: Fri 22, Sat 30 Jan, Wed 3 Feb

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


Special diary datesBargain 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 thethemes and issues of Two and the sequelproduction Two 2, see page 26 for moreinformation about investigate Days. audio described: Tue 2 Feb, 7.30pmBSL: Thu 28 Jan, 7.30pmCaptioned Performance:Thu 4 Feb, 7.30pmThe spoken word displayed on a unit to giveaccess for deaf, deafened and hard of hearingcustomers.


Octagon Theatre Bolton and the University of Bolton present

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

From opening time to last orders, all walks of lifepass through this pub, and the comings andgoings are watched over by the all-seeing, andall knowing, proprietors - the landlord andlandlady at the heart and soul of their local. Soget yourself a drink and settle in, it’ll all behappening tonight…

First performed at the Octagon in 1989, theSunday Times called the play a “brilliantly,surrealistically and comically poetic”piece. Theproduction won the Manchester Evening NewsBest New Play Award before transferring to theYoung Vic in London. Subsequently this everpopular play has been revived twice at theOctagon over the years.

Following the run of Two the Octagon willpresent a world premiere by Jim Cartwright ofTwo 2 - revisiting the same pub, with charactersboth old and new. Turn the page to find outmore!

Thu 21 January – Sat 6 February 2016

“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 asnug. And it’s nowhere near last orders yet!” Landlord, Two

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Performance timesEvenings: 7.30pm 5pm performance: Mon 15 Feb2pm matinees: Thu 11, Sat 13, Wed 17,Sat 20, Wed 24, Sat 27 Feb



Special diary datesBargain 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 thethemes and issues of Two and the sequelproduction Two 2, see page 26 for moreinformation about investigate Days. audio described: Tue 16 Feb, 7.30pmCaptioned Performance: Fri 26 Feb,7.30pmThe spoken word displayed on a unit to giveaccess for deaf, deafened and hard of hearingcustomers.


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Octagon Theatre Bolton and the University of Bolton present

From the writer of The Rise and Fall ofLittle Voice, Bed, Road and Two comesthe world premiere production of Two2; Jim Cartwright’s brand new play thatrevisits the lives, loves and laughs ofregulars in a Northern boozer.

Time may have passed but the pub isstill standing - just. Punters are now fewand far between, and despite allattempts at quiz nights, karaoke andpub grub it could soon be last ordersfor the struggling landlord and lady.

At odds with one another, but holdingit together one shift at a time, their liveshave become as bitter as the ale theyserve. But when a once in a lifetimeopportunity presents itself in the formof a one way ticket out of there, willeither of them have the courage to turntheir backs on the pub, and mostimportantly, each other?

Wed 10 – Sat 27 February 2016

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Performance timesEvenings: 7.30pm5pm performance: Mon 21 Mar2pm matinees: Sat 12, Wed 16, Sat 19, Wed 23, Wed 30 Mar



Special diary datesBargain nights: Thu 10, Fri 11, Mon 14 Mar(tickets £17.50 - £10.50)Meet the director and cast: Fri 11 Mar(free, post show)investigate day: Sat 19 Mar (£20, inc.matinee ticket) – full day event around thethemes and issues of the play, see page 26for more information.audio described: Thu 24 Mar, 7.30pmCaptioned Performance: Thu 17 Mar,7.30pmThe spoken word displayed on a unit to giveaccess for deaf, deafened and hard of hearingcustomers.There will be no performanceson Fri 25 or Mon 28 Mar.

Box office: 01204 520661www.octagonbolton.co.uk 15

Octagon Theatre Bolton and Hull Truck Theatre present

In a suburban semi on acold winters evening, acollection of family, friendsand acquaintances gatherto celebrate a fortiethbirthday. There’s Josie, theforty year old dominatrixconducting business fromher living room and in nomood to celebrate; herdaughter Brenda-Mariewith a wisdom beyond heryears; Martha - Josie’sdevout Irish cleaner who’snone the wiser and happyto keep it that way; and, ofcourse, Lionel - Josie’s mostloyal client with a heart ofgold and a secret yearningto wear ladies dresses.

But no party would becomplete withoutentertainment, and foronce Josie has the nightoff. Elvis impersonatorTimothy Wong hasentered the building andonly the arrival of a very

unexpected guest couldupstage the King himself.

Martha, Josie and theChinese Elvis premiered atthe Octagon Theatre in1999 and was receivedwith critical acclaim andregular standing ovations.Described by the FinancialTimes as “one of our mostaccomplished andentertaining youngplaywrights”,CharlotteJones has created a quirkycollection of characterswhose worlds collide onone fateful night thatcould ultimately change allof their lives forever.Heartfelt, poignant, andfunny in equal measure,Martha, Josie and theChinese Elvis captures theglimmer of promise andpotential that lies in all ofus - shining a spotlight onthe opportunities that areout there, if only wechoose to take them.

Thu 10 March – Sat 2 April 2016

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Performance TimesEvenings: 7.30pm5pm performance: Mon 21 Mar2pm matinees: Sat 12, Wed 16, Sat 19, Wed 23, Wed 30 Mar

Ticket Prices £27 – £10.50Discounts available including SEASONTICKETS, groups, schools and young person’s£6 tickets. See page 30 for full list ofdiscounts.

Auditorium Seating Plan

Special Diary DatesBargain Nights: Thu 10, Fri 11, Mon 14 Mar(tickets £17.50 - £10.50)Meet the Director and cast: Fri 11 Mar(free, post show)Investigate Day: Sat 19 Mar (£20, inc.matinee ticket) – full day event around thethemes and issues of the play, see page 26for more information.Audio Described: Thu 24 Mar, 7.30pmCaptioned Performance: Thu 17 Mar,7.30pmThe spoken word displayed on a unit to giveaccess for deaf, deafened and hard of hearingcustomers.There will be no performanceson Fri 25 or Mon 28 Mar.

Box O8ce: 01204 520661www.octagonbolton.co.uk 15

Octagon Theatre Bolton and Hull Truck Theatre present

In a suburban semi on acold winters evening, acollection of family, friendsand acquaintances gatherto celebrate a fortiethbirthday. There’s Josie, theforty year old dominatrixconducting business fromher living room and in nomood to celebrate; herdaughter Brenda-Mariewith a wisdom beyond heryears; Martha - Josie’sdevout Irish cleaner who’snone the wiser and happyto keep it that way; and, ofcourse, Lionel - Josie’s mostloyal client with a heart ofgold and a secret yearningto wear ladies dresses.

But no party would becomplete withoutentertainment, and foronce Josie has the nightoK. Elvis impersonatorTimothy Wong hasentered the building andonly the arrival of a very

unexpected guest couldupstage the King himself.

Martha, Josie and theChinese Elvis premiered atthe Octagon Theatre in1999 and was receivedwith critical acclaim andregular standing ovations.Described by the FinancialTimes as “one of our mostaccomplished andentertaining youngplaywrights”,CharlotteJones has created a quirkycollection of characterswhose worlds collide onone fateful night thatcould ultimately change allof their lives forever.Heartfelt, poignant, andfunny in equal measure,Martha, Josie and theChinese Elvis captures theglimmer of promise andpotential that lies in all ofus - shining a spotlight onthe opportunities that areout there, if only wechoose to take them.

Thu 10 March – Sat 2 April 2016

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SEASON

Octagon Theatre Bolton and Prime Theatre present “The wildly successful Horrible Historiesbooks and TV shows are adored by childrenand adults alike.” The Guardian

A world premiere for Octagon audiences; thecreator ofHorrible Histories and author of over250 books brings his high-speed, historical andhilarious touch to the world of WilliamShakespeare.

It’s 1902 and when Sir Alphonse King and hisSixty Minute Shakespeare Ensemble startrehearsing Macbeth for a Royal CommandPerformance they find themselves strugglingagainst spookily unexpected circumstances.While Lady Macbeth is busy complainingabout Sir Alphonse’s ego and Macduff isplaying the fool to keep everyone’s spirits up,mild-mannered stage manager Miss JessicaPeacock has to battle her stage-fright to savethe show. But with an actor missing, propsbreaking in their hands and ghostly goings ongrowing by the minute, the entire troupebegin to fear the worst. Have they fallen foul ofthe infamous Macbeth Curse?

In a chaotically condensed version ofShakespeare’s own words and integrated withMusical Hall songs and cutting-edgeEdwardian theatricality, Terry Deary’s brandnew play is a perfect introduction to the magicand madness of Macbeth.

Recommended for age 7 years and over.

If you would like to book this production toperform in your school or education settingthen it will be touring the Bolton area fromMon 11 – Sat 16 April, for more informationemail [email protected]

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Tue 19 – Sat 23 April 2016Studio, 7.30pmrunning time: 60 minsThere will be a 20 minute Q&a session after each performance.10am performances: Tue 19, Wed 20, Thu 21 apr1pm matinees: Tue 19, Wed 20, Thu 21, Fri 22, Sat 23 apr7pm performances: Fri 22, Sat 23 aprcommemorate the 400 year anniversary of Shakespeare’s death at our special investigate Morning: Sat 23 apr, 10am, £6.50Captioned Performance: Fri 22 apr, 7pmBSL: Wed 20 apr, 1pmoctagon Studio Theatre, £8 (£6) 1 free teacher ticket for every 10 child tickets booked

Director: Mark Powell

Wed 11 – Fri 20 May 20167.30pm: Weds 11, Thu 12, Fri 13, Sat 14, Mon 16, Tue 17,Thu 19, Fri 20 MayMain auditorium£6 (£4, concessions and Season Ticket holders)

Join us for an evening of theatre, music, friendship,and fish and chips as the Octagon Theatre takes on anew stage – the iconic Olympus chip shop in Bolton!

Teenager Ayla and middle-aged Gram meet whenAyla blags a job in the chip shop. Ayla is a frustratedand shy young woman who secretly dreams of agrime music career, but has no idea how to make ithappen. Gram is a disillusioned, brass-loving chipshop owner, who’s falling out of step as the world ischanging around him. Can they come together andsort their lives and the shop out, before business andpersonal 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, 7.30pmCaptioned Performance: Fri 20 May, 7.30pm

Please note: doors will open at 7.30pm and guests will be seatedimmediately, 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!

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Just £4

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Octagon Theatre Bolton and Freedom Studios present

#ChipShoptheMusicalWritten & Co-Produced by Emma Hill Every year the National Theatre commissions new

plays by leading playwrights for young theatrecompanies all over the country to perform in anationwide Connections Festival. This year is the 21st anniversary of Connections. TheFestival celebrates great new writing for the stage –and the energy, commitment and talent of youngtheatre-makers. Contains strong language and challenging content.Recommended for ages 14+

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

This classic novel, listed in the BBC’s ‘Big Reads’ top100 all time favourite books, is brought to life in abrand-new adaptation by BAFTA-nominated writer,Janys Chambers.

Transporting us from the vibrancy of India to theGothic mystery of a crumbling Yorkshire mansion,this sparkling performance by some of our bestyoung local actors tells the often funny, alwaysmoving story of a lonely, seemingly unlovable childwho, in her search for ‘a little bit of earth’, transformsthe lives of everyone around her.

Thu 11 - Sat 13 Aug 20167.30pm: Thu 11, Fri 12, Sat 13 aug2pm matinee: Sat 13 augTickets: £6 (£4)Main auditorium

Get InvolvedThe Secret Garden project is open to anyone aged 8 – 25years who is able to commit three weeks of their summerholiday to putting on a production! You will work alongsideour new Artistic Team, as well as a team of actors, to create afull-scale production of The Secret Garden. You don’t needany experience, just enthusiasm, willingness to try newthings, and imagination.

Places are £120 per participant – which works out at just£7.50 per day! We also have a limited number of free bursaryplaces available for anyone with financial or other difficultiesto access this project. The project will start from Monday 25July and run for three weeks.

If you would like to apply for a bursary, or for moreinformation, email [email protected]

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

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We are looking for the next Ibsen,Miller, Naughton or Cartwright andwould love to see what you can do.We’re asking writers to submitdramatic monologues for theOctagon to produce, andsubmissions should be no longerthan 40 minutes long. Thecompetition is open to ages 16 yearsand over, and the closing date for allentries is Friday 26 February 2016.

Entries will be judged by variousindustry professionals includingOctagon Artistic Director ElizabethNewman, Sue Emmas (AssociateArtistic Director, Young Vic), AmitSharma (Associate Director, Graeae),Aisha Khan (Artistic Director, FreedomStudios), Max Stafford-Clark (ArtisticDirector, Out of Joint), Stella Feehily(playwright), Lawrence Till (formerOctagon Artistic Director) and SueRoberts, (Producer of BBC Audio

Drama for Radio 3 and 4, and Editorof The Verb on BBC Radio 3). The best monologues will beperformed at the Octagon in 2017.

Please send all entries [email protected], putting‘National Octagon Prize’ in the subjectline. Best of luck!

The Octagon Theatre is thrilled toannounce the launch of a brandnew 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 behindthe curtain, the Octagon will produce its first Reveal season in June 2016.This two week festival will take place in the Studio Theatre and willshowcase theatre created by local companies and theatre makers fromacross the region. It will be curated by Octagon Artistic Director ElizabethNewman, RTYDS Assistant Director Ben Occhipinti and Associate ProducerDeborah Dickinson.

This is a fantastic opportunity to see original and exciting work byemerging theatre makers.

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

20

Join us for an afternoon of storytelling at the Octagon Theatre. Your littleones will be transported on a literary journey of fun and adventure –meeting all of their favourite characters, brought to life by actors from theOctagon 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 BeastFri 20 May – The Ugly DucklingFri 24 June – Banter Strawoctagon Bar, 4.30pm£4 per child, with one free adult place per child

Make a date in your diaries for a weekend to rememberwith a whole host of free, fun activities for families overthe August bank holiday weekend.

The Octagon auditorium will be transformed into aseaside pleasure beach where you can feel the sandbetween your toes, enjoy all the fun of the fair, andindulge in some candy floss and ice cream - whateverthe weather!

There will also be pop-up theatre performances fromour band of seaside players - so pull up a deckchair,grab a bucket and spade and get ready to beentertained!

Bank Holiday WeekendFri 26 – Mon 29 August 2016

JOIN US AT THE OCTAGON PLEASURE BEACH!STORYPLAY


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21

New Writing

Best ofBolton

Join us at the Octagon for acreative feast as we celebrateSouth Asian Arts during ourDinner Party season. Over fourdays there will be a range of‘taster’ events that will includepoetry, theatre, music, art anddance – a whole host of eventsfor you to sample!

We will announce full detailsearly in 2016 so do check thewebsite or join our mailing listto be the first to hear aboutwhat’s coming up:www.octagonbolton.co.uk/mailing-list

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

The Octagon is passionateabout developing new writing.Join us for an evening ofoutstanding original work byBolton writers. OctagonArtistic Director ElizabethNewman will select the piecesand direct professional actorsin a performance showcasingthe work.

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

20 Stories High and Theatre-Ritesjoin forces to create a unique mashup of hip-hop, theatre andpuppetry, bringing together 4amazing artists: beat-boxer Hobbit,b-boy Ryan LoGisTic Harston,singer/rapper Elektric, andpuppeteer Mohsen Nouri to formThe Broke ‘N’ Beat Collective.

Come and spend an evening withthe Collective; a raw, gritty, funnyand moving gig that explores thehardships faced by young people inthe UK today.

Gripping tales, transfixing poetryand hip-hop puppetry like you’ve

never seen before. A 20 Stories High and Theatre-Rites co-production in association with UnityTheatre, Liverpool.

Suitable for ages 13+

Thu 25 – Sat 27 February 2016Thu 25 Feb, 7.30pm + post-show discussion Fri 26 Feb, 8pm + post-show jam Sat 27 Feb, 7.30pmStudio Theatre£10 (£8)£3 young person concession (17-25 years)

Education workshops are available to book on Fri 26 Feb, please email [email protected] for more details

20 Stories High and Theatre-Rites present

THE BROKE ‘N’ BEAT COLLECTIVEA MASH-UP OF HIP HOP, THEATRE AND PUPPETRYOctagon Theatre Bolton in association

with Bolton International Writing Project present

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Why support us?We are a registered charity and rely on thesupport of our funders, sponsors anddonors to continue our inspiring work onstage and in the community. We work with the community. We positivelychange lives. We are a home for playwrights andmakers. We create theatre in the belief that it canenrich our communities and fundamentallytransform peoples’ lives for the better.

What we’ve achieved during the last year…Introduced Relaxed Performances – wherethose with an autistic spectrum condition,learning disability or sensory or communicationneed are able to watch a performance in a muchmore relaxed setting.

Introduced Captioned Performances – wherethe spoken word is displayed on a unit providingaccess to live performances for deaf, deafenedand hard of hearing customers.

Engaged with young people - over the financialyear 2014/15, 2617 young people participated inone of our learning activities.

All because of our amazing supporters!

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

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 agift of £25, £15 or £10 per month or over andin 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

LOVE THE OCTAGON? SHOW YOUR SUPPORT ANDHELP YOUR THEATRE AND COMMUNITY FLOURISH!

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

tHank You!

22

“If this group hadn’t have started I’d still be satlooking at four walls, still unemployed.”

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

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 [email protected]

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This guarantee should be detached and retained by the payer.

The D

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• This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay D

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• If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your D

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ill notify you 10 w

orking days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request O

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collect a payment, confirm

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ill be given to you at the time of the request.

• If an error is made in the paym

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– If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back w

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25

Caféeight is situated on the ground floor of the OctagonTheatre. Open from 9am every day except Sunday, it’s theperfect place to meet for morning coffee, enjoy a leisurelylunch or have pre-theatre dinner and drinks with friends.

Season Ticket holders save 10% on all food and non-alcoholic drinks in eight.

Open all day Monday – Saturday from 9am

PRE-THEATRE DINING The perfect venue for a pre-theatre meal. Enjoythree delicious courses, a freshly baked pizza, orjust a light bite before the show.

Visit www.octagonbolton.co.uk/come-dine-with-us for current menu options.Season Ticket holders save 10% on all food andnon-alcoholic drinks in eight.

For convenient pre-theatre dining, it’s advisableto book - call the Box Office on 01204 520661to reserve your table.

ROOM HIRE AND HOSPITALITYThe Octagon Theatre is the perfect venue forprivate events. From short meetings toconferences, pre-show buffets to champagnereceptions, day and night, the Octagon has twoversatile, well equipped spaces for hire atcompetitive rates.

Simply email [email protected] tomake an enquiry.

The Octagon Bar is open for theatre-goers an hourbefore the performance. Beat the queues by pre-ordering your interval drinks - just order at the barbefore the show starts.

26

The Octagon is delighted to provide captionedperformances for all of our main seasonproductions. During captioned performances thespoken word is displayed on a unit to give access fordeaf, deafened and hard of hearing customers.Details of captioned performance dates are listed onthe individual show pages in this brochure.

To ensure you get the best possible seats, with agreat view of the captioned spoken word, werecommend that you book with one of our BoxOffice assistants so they can allocate theappropriate seats. Call 01204 520661 formore information.

NEW! CAPTIONEDPERFORMANCES

INVESTIGATE DAYS

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

17 - 25?TICKETS FROMJUST £6!

Join actors, directors and theatre specialists in full day eventsexploring and discussing some of the burning issues behind theOctagon’s programme of plays. Investigate Days start at 10.30amand are followed by a matinee performance.

Investigate Day tickets are just £20, or £6.50 for the morningsession without the matinee ticket.

See individual show pages for forthcoming Investigate Day dates.

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

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Box offiCe 01204 520661 www.oCtagonBoLton.Co.uk

Fri 18 Nov 7.00Sat 19 Nov 2.15 7.00Mon 21 Nov 10.30 7.00Tue 22 Nov 10.30 Wed 23 Nov 10.30 2.15 Thu 24 Nov 10.30 Fri 25 Nov 10.30 7.00Sat 26 Nov 2.15 7.00Mon 28 Nov 10.30 2.15 Tue 29 Nov 10.30 2.15 Wed 30 Nov 10.30 2.15 Thu 01 Dec 10.30 2.15 Fri 02 Dec 10.30 7.00Sat 03 Dec 2.15 7.00Mon 05 Dec 10.30 2.15 Tue 06 Dec 10.30 2.15 Wed 07 Dec 10.30 2.15 Thu 08 Dec 10.30 2.15 Fri 09 Dec 10.30 7.00Sat 10 Dec 2.15 7.00Mon 12 Dec 10.30 2.15 Tue 13 Dec 10.30 2.15 Wed 14 Dec 10.30 2.15 Thu 15 Dec 10.30 2.15 Fri 16 Dec 10.30 7.00Sat 17 Dec 2.15 7.00Mon 19 Dec 10.30 2.15 Tue 20 Dec 10.30 2.15 Wed 21 Dec 10.30 2.15 Thu 22 Dec 10.30 7.00Fri 23 Dec 2.15 7.00Sat 24 Dec 2.15 7.00Mon 26 Dec 7.00Tue 27 Dec 2.15 7.00Wed 28 Dec 2.15 7.00Thu 29 Dec 2.15 7.00Fri 30 Dec 2.15 7.00Sat 31 Dec 2.15 7.00Mon 02 Jan 7.00Tue 03 Jan 2.15 7.00Wed 04 Jan 2.15 7.00Thu 05 Jan 2.15 7.00Fri 06 Jan 2.15 7.00Sat 07 Jan 2.15 7.00Mon 09 Jan 10.30 Tue 10 Jan 10.30 Wed 11 Jan 10.30 Thu 12 Jan 10.30 Fri 13 Jan 11.00 7.00Sat 14 Jan 2.15 7.00

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 Save £5 Save £5

Schools & Groups 10+ 1 free adult for every 10 children.

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 slightlyrestricted view for anyone under 9 years old

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

Relaxed PerformancesFri 13 Jan 2017, 11am & 7pm

Relaxed performances are specifically designed to welcome into theatres people with an autisticspectrum condition, learning disability,a sensory or communication need. Orindeed anyone who feels that they, ortheir family, would enjoy a morerelaxed environment. They have a lessformal, more supportive atmosphere toreduce anxiety levels. There is a relaxedattitude to audience noise andmovement, and small changes to thesound levels and lighting effects. Thereare also other provisions such as visualstories, a chill-out space, and extra staffaround to offer a helping hand.

All tickets for RelaxedPerformances are £10 with freeessential carer tickets for thosewith additional needs, plus onefree ticket for every 10 ticketsbooked.

Relaxed Performances - 11am & 7pm on Friday 13 Jan 2017Peak performances - RED Standard performances - BLUEOff-peak performances - BLACK

27

fRi 18 noveMBeR 2016 - Sat 14 JanuaRY 2017

For more

information on

Cinderella

see pages

10 and 11

on full pricesfor all groupmembers



16 years and under:£11.50Adult: £15Book now and pay just two months before

your visit. Save 50p on the price of every ticketif you book and pay before 31 July 2016.

28

Concessions are available to age 16 years and under, full-time students, age 60 years and over, jobseekers, disabledpatrons 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, onlyapplies to seats in bands B or C, subject to availability (maximum of 2 tickets per booking).

For more

information on

Singin’ in the

Rain

see pages

8 and 9

Mon-Thu eves Matinees Bargain Fri eves Sat eves (7.30pm) (2, 5pm) Nights

Band A Stalls £27 £29 £25 £20 £19.50Concession £24 N/A £22 £17.50 N/A

Band B Stalls and front row gallery £24 £26 £22 £17 £16.50Concession £21 N/A £19 £15 N/A

Band C Gallery £16.50 £20 £15.50 £14 £12.50Concession £14 N/A £13 £13 N/A

Schools and Groups 10+ Plus 1 free teacher / organiser ticket N/A N/A £4 off full price tickets £4 off full price tickets N/A

Schools and Groups 31+Plus 1 free teacher / organiser ticket N/A N/A £5 off full price tickets £5 off full price tickets N/A

Schools and Groups 51+Plus 1 free teacher / organiser ticket N/A N/A £6 off full price tickets £6 off full price tickets N/A

Young person standby(17-25)* N/A N/A £6.00 N/A N/A

fRi 3 – Sat 25 June 2016

28

Concessions are available to age 16 years and under, full-time students, age 60 years and over, jobseekers, disabledpatrons 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, onlyapplies to seats in bands B or C, subject to availability (maximum of 2 tickets per booking).

For more

information on

Singin’ in the Rain

see pages

8 and 9

Mon-Thu eves Matinees Bargain Fri eves Sat eves (7.30pm) (2, 5pm) Nights




Schools and Groups 10+ Plus 1 free teacher / organiser ticket N/A N/A £4 oK full price tickets £4 oK full price tickets N/A

Schools and Groups 31+Plus 1 free teacher / organiser ticket N/A N/A £5 oK full price tickets £5 oK full price tickets N/A

Schools and Groups 51+Plus 1 free teacher / organiser ticket N/A N/A £6 oK full price tickets £6 oK full price tickets N/A

Young person standby(17-25)* N/A N/A £6.00 N/A N/A

FRI 3 – SAT 25 JUNE 2016

29

Fri 13 Nov 7.00Sat 14 Nov 7.00Mon 16 Nov 10.30 Tue 17 Nov 10.30 Wed 18 Nov 10.30 Thu 19 Nov 10.30 Fri 20 Nov 10.30 7.00Sat 21 Nov 2.15 7.00Mon 23 Nov 10.30 Tue 24 Nov 10.30 Wed 25 Nov 10.30 2.15 Thu 26 Nov 10.30 Fri 27 Nov 10.30 7.00Sat 28 Nov 2.15 7.00Mon 30 Nov 10.30 2.15 Tue 01 Dec 10.30 2.15 Wed 02 Dec 10.30 2.15 Thu 03 Dec 10.30 2.15 Fri 04 Dec 10.30 7.00Sat 05 Dec 2.00 7.00Mon 07 Dec 10.30 2.15 Tue 08 Dec 10.30 2.15 Wed 09 Dec 10.30 2.15 Thu 10 Dec 10.30 2.15 Fri 11 Dec 10.30 7.00Sat 12 Dec 2.00 7.00Mon 14 Dec 10.30 2.15 Tue 15 Dec 10.30 2.15 Wed 16 Dec 10.30 2.15 Thu 17 Dec 10.30 7.00Fri 18 Dec 2.00 7.00Sat 19 Dec 2.00 7.00Mon 21 Dec 2.00 7.00Tue 22 Dec 2.00 7.00Wed 23 Dec 2.00 7.00Thu 24 Dec 2.00 7.00Fri 25 Dec CLOSEDSat 26 Dec 2.00 7.00Mon 28 Dec 2.00 7.00Tue 29 Dec 2.00 7.00Wed 30 Dec 2.00 7.00Thu 31 Dec 2.00 7.00Fri 01 Jan CLOSEDSat 02 Jan 2.00 7.00Mon 04 Jan 10.30 Tue 05 Jan 10.30 Wed 06 Jan 10.30 Thu 07 Jan 10.30 Fri 08 Jan 11.00 7.00Sat 09 Jan 2.15 7.00

For more

information on

The BFG

see page12

Peak Performances Off-Peak

Band A Stalls £23 £19.50 £21 adult concession £17.50 adult concession £16 child concession £15 child concession

Band B £15 £13.50 £14 adult concession £12.50 adult concession £10.50 child concession £9.50 child concession

Small Groups 4-9 £16 £15

Schools & Groups 10+ Adult: £15 Adult: £14.50 16 and under: £12 16 and under: £10.50

Young Person Standby (17-25)** N/A £5

Side view stalls and gallery*

*Gallery - A two row balcony where you lean forward slightly to look down to see. May be arestricted 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 thebooking is made, only applies to seats in Band B, subject to availability (max 2 per booking).

Special Diary DatesAudio Described: Fri 4 Dec, 7pm BSL: Fri 11 Dec, 7pmCaptioned performance: Thu 17 Dec, 7pm


Relaxed Performances are specifically designed towelcome into theatres people with an autisticspectrum condition, learning disability, a sensory orcommunication need. Or indeed anyone who feelsthat they, or their family, would enjoy a more relaxedenvironment. They have a less formal, more supportive atmosphereto reduce anxiety levels. There is a relaxed attitude toaudience noise and movement, and small changes tothe sound levels and lighting effects. There are alsoother provisions such as visual stories (an info packemailed in advance with full details of what to expect),a chill-out space, and extra staff around to offer ahelping hand.

All tickets for Relaxed Performances are £9.50with free essential carer tickets for those withadditional needs, plus 1 free ticket for every 10tickets booked.

Dates highlighted in RED indicate Peak Performances

Dates highlighted in GREEN indicate Relaxed Performances

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

fRi 13 noveMBeR 2015 - Sat 9 JanuaRY 2016

29

Fri 13 Nov 7.00Sat 14 Nov 7.00Mon 16 Nov 10.30 Tue 17 Nov 10.30 Wed 18 Nov 10.30 Thu 19 Nov 10.30 Fri 20 Nov 10.30 7.00Sat 21 Nov 2.15 7.00Mon 23 Nov 10.30 Tue 24 Nov 10.30 Wed 25 Nov 10.30 2.15 Thu 26 Nov 10.30 Fri 27 Nov 10.30 7.00Sat 28 Nov 2.15 7.00Mon 30 Nov 10.30 2.15 Tue 01 Dec 10.30 2.15 Wed 02 Dec 10.30 2.15 Thu 03 Dec 10.30 2.15 Fri 04 Dec 10.30 7.00Sat 05 Dec 2.00 7.00Mon 07 Dec 10.30 2.15 Tue 08 Dec 10.30 2.15 Wed 09 Dec 10.30 2.15 Thu 10 Dec 10.30 2.15 Fri 11 Dec 10.30 7.00Sat 12 Dec 2.00 7.00Mon 14 Dec 10.30 2.15 Tue 15 Dec 10.30 2.15 Wed 16 Dec 10.30 2.15 Thu 17 Dec 10.30 7.00Fri 18 Dec 2.00 7.00Sat 19 Dec 2.00 7.00Mon 21 Dec 2.00 7.00Tue 22 Dec 2.00 7.00Wed 23 Dec 2.00 7.00Thu 24 Dec 2.00 7.00Fri 25 Dec CLOSEDSat 26 Dec 2.00 7.00Mon 28 Dec 2.00 7.00Tue 29 Dec 2.00 7.00Wed 30 Dec 2.00 7.00Thu 31 Dec 2.00 7.00Fri 01 Jan CLOSEDSat 02 Jan 2.00 7.00Mon 04 Jan 10.30 Tue 05 Jan 10.30 Wed 06 Jan 10.30 Thu 07 Jan 10.30 Fri 08 Jan 11.00 7.00Sat 09 Jan 2.15 7.00

For more

information o

n

The BFG

see page12

Peak Performances O@-Peak

Band A Stalls £23 £19.50 £21 adult concession £17.50 adult concession £16 child concession £15 child concession

Band B £15 £13.50 £14 adult concession £12.50 adult concession £10.50 child concession £9.50 child concession

Small Groups 4-9 £16 £15

Schools & Groups 10+ Adult: £15 Adult: £14.50 16 and under: £12 16 and under: £10.50

Young Person Standby (17-25)** N/A £5

Side view stalls and gallery*

*Gallery - A two row balcony where you lean forward slightly to look down to see. May be arestricted 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 thebooking is made, only applies to seats in Band B, subject to availability (max 2 per booking).

Special Diary DatesAudio Described: Fri 4 Dec, 7pm BSL: Fri 11 Dec, 7pmCaptioned performance: Thu 17 Dec, 7pm


Relaxed Performances are speciLcally designed towelcome into theatres people with an autisticspectrum condition, learning disability, a sensory orcommunication need. Or indeed anyone who feelsthat they, or their family, would enjoy a more relaxedenvironment. They have a less formal, more supportive atmosphereto reduce anxiety levels. There is a relaxed attitude toaudience noise and movement, and small changes tothe sound levels and lighting eKects. There are alsoother provisions such as visual stories (an info packemailed in advance with full details of what to expect),a chill-out space, and extra staK around to oKer ahelping hand.

All tickets for Relaxed Performances are £9.50with free essential carer tickets for those withadditional needs, plus 1 free ticket for every 10tickets booked.

Dates highlighted in RED indicate Peak Performances

Dates highlighted in GREEN indicate Relaxed Performances

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

FRI 13 NOVEMBER 2015 - SAT 9 JANUARY 2016

30

Concessions are available to age 16years and under, full-time students, age60 years and over, jobseekers, disabledpatrons and their companion, Equityand NCA cardholders. All discounts aresubject to availability.

Please note some plays may not besuitable for younger audiences, pleasediscuss any requirements with the BoxOffice on 01204 520661.

We do not admit babes in arms(children under 18 months).

* Valid for 17–25 years. Proof of ID willbe required. Performance must be onthe same day the booking is made,only applies to seats in bands B or C,subject to availability (maximum of 2tickets per booking).

Mon-Thu eves Matinees Fri eves Sat eves (7.30pm) (2pm, 5pm) Bargain Nights




Band A £17 Band A £13 Band A £13 Groups 10+ Band B £16 Band B £12 Band B £12 Plus 1 free organiser ticket N/A N/A Band C £11 Band C £11 Band C £11

Band A £16 Band A £13 Band A £13Groups 31+ Band B £15 Band B £12 Band B £12Plus 1 free organiser ticket N/A N/A Band C £11 Band C £11 Band C £11

Band A £15 Band A £13 Band A £13Groups 51+ Band B £14 Band B £12 Band B £12 Plus 1 free organiser ticket N/A N/A Band C £11 Band C £11 Band C £11

Band A £15.50 Band A £13 Band A £13Schools & Education Groups Band B £13.50 Band B £12 Band B £12 1 free teacher ticket per 15 pupils N/A N/A Band C £11 Band C £11 Band C £11

Young person standby (17-25)* £6 N/A £6 £6 £6

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

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

PLATINUM2016 SEASON TICKET5 SHOWS FOR £115

GOLD2016 SEASON TICKET5 SHOWS FOR £90

SILVER2016 SEASON TICKET3 SHOWS FOR £60

PLATINUMADD ONREMAINING 2 SHOWS FOR £42

GOLDADD ONREMAINING 2 SHOWS FOR £32

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

31

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

The Octagon is situated in theheart of the town centre, oppositethe Library and Museum.

We are a five minute walk fromthe train and bus stations.

The nearest car park is theOctagon NCP multi-storey carpark adjacent to us: Great MoorStreet, Bolton BL1 1TNTel: 0845 050 7080

Octagon Theatre patrons get adiscounted rate from the OctagonNCP car park if parking after 5pm– bring your ticket to the theatrefor validation.

SAT NAV: BL1 1TN (car park)

Please note: Some productionsmay contain smoking, stronglanguage, themes of an adultnature, stage smoke and/orstrobe lighting. Ask whenbooking for more information.

All information is accurate at thetime of going to print. TheOctagon Theatre reserves theright to make alterations ifnecessary.

To discuss access requirements please contact the Box Office on 01204 520661 or [email protected]

Wheelchair users/ customers with mobility impairment:

The Octagon has a flat foyer and entrance and anaccessible 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 andbook wheelchair spaces in advance. There is a disabledparking bay close to the theatre entrance.

Deaf and hard of hearing customers:

The Octagon has an infra-red hearing system. Via aheadset, sound is slightly amplified for customers with

or without hearing aids. Please pre-book headsets with BoxOffice 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.

Blind and visually impaired customers:

Audio-Described performances offer a livecommentary via a headset. See show pages for

dates and book your headset with the Box Office. Let usknow if you are bringing a guide dog - it can stay with youin the auditorium or be looked after by staff. A touch tour isavailable before the described performance. Moreinformation about our touch tours, including video footageand commentary from our Audio Describer, is available atwww.octagonbolton.co.uk and on CD, just ask our BoxOffice staff for a copy.

Wheelchair users and visually impaired customers areentitled to one free companion ticket.

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

The Octagon’s flexibleauditorium means plays canbe staged in differentarrangements.

In-the-round

Thrust

End-stage

Stalls – No seat is more than 9rows from the stage

Gallery – A two row balconywhere you lean forwardslightly and look down to see.May be a restricted view foranyone under 9 years old.

Box Office: 01204 520661

Performance days: 9am – 7.30pm (until 7pm on the phone)

Non-performance days: 9am – 5.30pm We are closed Sundays

We accept cheques andmajor credit/debit cards.There is a 75p charge topost tickets.

Please note we do not offerrefunds. Tickets mayhowever be exchanged or acredit note given if ticketsare returned to us 24 hoursbefore the performance. A£1 exchange fee applies.

All patrons must have aticket. Please note we donot admit babes in arms(children under 18 months).

24hr ticketbookings:www.octagonbolton.co.uk

Data protection: the OctagonTheatre Bolton collects data inaccordance with the DataProtection Act.

Finding UsSeating Plans Access BookingOur access provisionis proudly sponsoredby ManchesterAirport Group

The BFGFri 13 N

ovember 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 A

pril 2016

Look Back in Anger

Thu 7 – Sat 30 April 2016

Singin’ in the RainFri 3 – Sat 25 June 2016

CinderellaFri 18 N

ov 2016 – Sat 14 Jan 2017

Box Offi

ce: 01204 520661w

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.octagonbolton.co.ukO

ctagon Theatre, H

owell Croft South,

Bolton, BL1 1SB

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PrinciPal PaTronPrinciPal SPonSor

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ROCKGLEN

DEVELOPMENTS

SUPPorTErSIf you w

ould like to see your logo here then please contact us to find out how w

e could work together

to promote your business. Call 01204 557141 or em

ail [email protected]

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

Registered Charity number: 248833

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/OctagonBolton

@octagontheatre

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2016

octagon theatre bolton 2016 season brochure

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