Octagon Theatre - 50th Anniversary Season Brochure 2017 - 2018

2017 – 2018 ANNIVERSARY SEASON

THEATRE. MADE IN BOLTON. 1

01204 520661 octagonbolton.co.uk BOX OFFICE 01204 520661

50 YEARS OF MAKING THEATRE IN BOLTON

50 YEARS OF PUTTING ON A SHOW

Miss Julie, 2002

We are incredibly proud to be celebrating our 50th year of making world class theatre.

Since 1967 we have produced 100s of productions on our stage, engaged with 1000s of people and created work with and for the community.

Early One Morning, 2014

This season we are celebrating with an exciting range of productions and projects, including our first ever park show, world premieres of new plays and even a Birthday Party!

During our 50th season we will begin a major development of the theatre that will reimagine our building to make it accessible and open to audiences and artists for another 50 years to come.

We want to take this opportunity to say thank you to our amazing, loyal and supportive audience and please join us for this very special adventure.

Roddy Gauld Chief Executive

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Elizabeth Newman Artistic Director

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The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, 2012 Octagon Open Day, 2016

Annie and Fanny, 1967

50TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON THE RAILWAY CHILDREN 6

Thu 17 – Sat 19 August 2017

RITA, SUE AND BOB TOO 8

Wed 6 – Sat 23 September 2017

THE THREEPENNY OPERA 10

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 12

Fri 17 November 2017 – Sat 13 January 2018

JANE EYRE 14

Thu 18 January – Sat 10 February 2018

WELCOME

Rafta, Rafta, 2010

Thu 12 October – Sat 4 November 2017

HAMLET 16

Thu 15 February – Sat 10 March 2018 Singin’ in the Rain, 2016

Henry V, 1979

EAST IS EAST 18

Thu 15 March – Sat 14 April 2018

THE BIG CORNER 20

Thu 19 April – Sat 5 May 2018

SUMMER HOLIDAY 22

Thu 31 May – Sat 23 June 2018

GULLIVER’S TRAVELS 24

Fri 27 July – Sat 25 August 2018

A SEASON OF NEW WRITING

Thu 22 February – Sat 14 April 2018

Two, 1989

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50 YEARS OF MAKING THEATRE IN BOLTON

OCTAGON SEASON TICKET

2017-2018

Be part of our 50th anniversary season and become a season ticket holder.

Make significant savings on the price of tickets as well as enjoying great benefits: • Secure the best seats during an early booking period • Flexibility to change dates • Free transfer of tickets to friends & family • Discounted programmes • 10% off in café eight 2017/18 Season Ticket Shows • Rita, Sue and Bob Too • The Threepenny Opera • Jane Eyre • Hamlet • East is East • The Big Corner • Summer Holiday

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SEE MORE AND SAVE MORE WITH OUR SEASON TICKET OFFER! PLATINUM

GOLD

ALL 7 SHOWS £175

ALL 7 SHOWS £140

• Book any performance • Book any performance excluding the final • FREE parking Saturday evening • FREE programmes performance • 10% OFF food • Discounted and non-alcoholic programmes drinks in café eight • 10% OFF food and • 10% OFF drinks non-alcoholic drinks in the bar in café eight

ENJOY THE BENEFITS!

SAVE UP TO

30% OFF TICKETS

To ensure seats we strongly advise that all performance

BOOK TODAY call 01204 520661 or visit octagonbolton/seasontickets* *Season tickets are not available to book online before Mon 15 May 2018

SEASON TICKET HOLDERS HAVE THE OPTION TO ADD THE OCTAGON FESTIVE SHOW AND OUR FIRST OUTDOOR SHOW FOR JUST £20 EACH BRONZE

5 SHOWS £105 6 SHOWS £126

3 SHOWS £66 4 SHOWS £88

• Book any performance excluding Saturday evenings

• Book any performance excluding Saturday evenings

• Discounted programmes

• Discounted programmes

• 10% OFF food and non-alcoholic drinks in café eight

• 10% OFF food and non-alcoholic drinks in café eight

SAVE UP TO

20% OFF TICKETS

A CHRISTMAS CAROL SEASON TICKETS

SILVER

GULLIVER’S TRAVELS

SAVE UP TO

15% OFF TICKETS

dates are selected at the time of purchase.

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Thu 17 – Sat 19 August 2017 OCTAGON THEATRE BOLTON PRESENTS A YOUNG PEOPLE’S PRODUCTION OF

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN Based on the Novel by E. Nesbit Adapted for the stage by Janys Chambers

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Join us this summer as we bring to life E. Nesbit’s beloved children’s novel, The Railway Children in a wonderful young people’s production.

Performed by a cast of 100 young people alongside professional actors, this will be a joyous production full of adventure!

Fri 25 – Mon 28 August 2017 11am – 3.30pm, FREE

Bobby, Peter and Phyllis’ lives are turned upside down one night when their father leaves their family home with no explanation. Falling on hard times, they move with their mother to a cottage in the country where they soon discover new friendships and become fascinated by the nearby railway.

This August Bank Holiday the Octagon will be transformed into a magical railway station from the golden age of travel.

Families will be transported to the best-loved train stories including a journey back in time to Ancient Egypt – complete with desert sand and the Nile!

Aged 8-21?

Do you want to be part of the cast?

There will be lots of craft activities, storytelling, face painting and interactive songs for people of all ages to enjoy!

You don’t need any experience, just enthusiasm, willingness to try new things and be able to commit three weeks of your summer holiday to putting on a production!

Places are £120 per participant (Bursaries are available).

For more information visit octagonbolton.co.uk/takepart

Performance times Evenings: 7.30pm 2pm Matinee: Sat 19 August Tickets £6 Concessions £2 off Auditorium Seating Plan End-stage

Image credit: Image of Horwich locomotive - original photograph

by Mark Latham

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Wed 6 – Sat 23 September 2017 OCTAGON THEATRE BOLTON, OUT OF JOINT AND ROYAL COURT THEATRE PRESENT

RITA, SUE AND BOB TOO

By Andrea Dunbar Directed by Max Stafford-Clark

‘DUNBAR’S WRITING IS NEVER JUDGMENTAL OR SENTIMENTAL – SHE SIMPLY WROTE ABOUT WHAT SHE KNEW’ THE TIMES

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“AS LONG AS YOU’RE ALIVE THAT’S ALL THAT MATTERS” Best friends Rita and Sue get a lift home from married Bob after babysitting his kids. When he takes the scenic route and offers them a bit of fun, the three start a fling each of them think they control.

Andrea Dunbar’s semi-autobiographical play, written for the Royal Court Theatre in 1982 when she was just 19, is a vivid portrait of girls caught between brutal childhood and an unpromising future, both hungry for adult adventure.

Told with startling insight and wicked humour, Rita, Sue and Bob Too was adapted into a cult 80s film. The play’s original director Max Stafford-Clark directs this major new production.

Age Guide 14+ Contains adult themes, smoking and strong language Performance times Evenings: 7.30pm 2pm Matinees: Sat 16, Wed 20 & Sat 23 September Tickets £28.50 - £13 Concessions Up to £2 off* Groups and school prices available* *See page 35 for details Bargain Nights Wed 6 & Thu 7 September (tickets £19 – £12) Post Show Talk Thu 7 September (free) Investigate Day Sat 23 September

SAVE

WITH OUR SEASON TICKET!

Access performances Audio Described Tue 19 September, 7.30pm BSL Wed 20 September, 7.30pm Captioned Performance Thu 21 September, 7.30pm Auditorium Seating Plan End-stage

Image credit Scout Road, Bolton.

Photographer Jonathan Keenan.

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Thu 12 October – Sat 4 November 2017 OCTAGON THEATRE BOLTON AND UNIVERSITY OF BOLTON PRESENT

THE THREEPENNY OPERA Book and Lyrics by

Bertolt Brecht

Music By

Kurt Weill

English Adaption by Marc Blitzstein Presented by arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe Directed by David Thacker

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THE QUEEN IS DEAD. LONG LIVE THE KING! As the country prepares for the coronation of King Charles III, criminals, corrupt bankers and other opportunists are coming out of the woodwork to make the most of the power vacuum.

Notorious criminal Mack the Knife has secretly married Polly Peachum and her racketeer father is furious. The stage is set for a turbulent time for the police who will do anything to keep the disreputable activities of the capital’s underworld under wraps and out of sight.

The Threepenny Opera is a darkly comic and thrilling musical drama brought right up to date in this exhilarating production.

Performance times Evenings: 7.30pm 2pm Matinees: Fri 13, Wed 18, Sat 21, Wed 25, Sat 28 October & Sat 4 November Tickets £28.50 - £13 Concessions Up to £2 off* Groups and school prices available* *See page 35 for details Bargain Nights Thu 12, Fri 13 & Mon 16 October (tickets £19 – £12) Post Show Talk Tue 17 October (free) Investigate Day Sat 28 October

SAVE

WITH OUR SEASON TICKET!

Access performances Audio Described Wed 1 November, 7.30pm BSL Thu 2 November, 7.30pm Captioned Performance Tue 31 October, 7.30pm Auditorium Seating Plan End-stage

Image credit Bolton Town Hall

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Fri 17 November 2017 – Sat 13 January 2018 OCTAGON THEATRE BOLTON PRESENTS

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Based on the novel by Charles Dickens Adapted for the stage by Neil Duffield Directed by Ben Occhipinti

★★★★★

‘SENSATIONAL... NEIL DUFFIELD’S INTELLIGENT ADAPTATION BRINGS DICKENS FANTASTICALLY TO LIFE.’ WHAT’S ON STAGE 2012

‘IT WOULD TAKE A TRUE SCROOGE TO PROCLAIM THIS CHRISTMAS CAROL ANYTHING OTHER THAN A FESTIVE SUCCESS.’ THE TELEGRAPH 2013

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Charles Dickens’ cherished festive tale is brought to life in this enchanting stage adaptation full of joy, song, and magic!

As the snow settles on the rooftops of a Victorian town, festive joy fills the hearts of every adult and child across the land.

Except for miserable, miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge… who says “Bah Humbug!” to the festive season... but all of that is about change. When he is visited by the ghost of his old business partner Jacob Marley, Scrooge is taken on a mysterious journey of redemption through Christmases past, present and future.

Featuring a host of classic Christmas carols this heartwarming and uplifting story is the perfect festive treat.

Age Guide 5+ We do not admit babes in arms (children under 18 months) Performance times Mornings: 10.30am* Matinees: 2.15pm* Evenings: 7pm* *Performances vary daily, for details see performance diary on page 36.

Tickets £26 – £12 Children £3 off* Concessions Up to £2 off* Small groups (4+) Save an extra £3 per ticket* Groups and school prices available* *Excludes rear gallery. See page 36 for details Access performances Audio Described Fri 1 December, 7pm BSL Fri 8 December, 7pm Captioned Performance Fri 15 December, 7pm Relaxed Fri 11 January, 11am & 7pm Auditorium Seating Plan In-the-round

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Thu 18 January – Sat 10 February 2018 OCTAGON THEATRE BOLTON PRESENTS

JANE EYRE Based on the novel by Charlotte Brontë A new adaptation by Lorna French Directed by Elizabeth Newman

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WITH OUR SEASON TICKET!

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“I AM NO BIRD; AND NO NET ENSNARES ME: I AM A FREE HUMAN BEING WITH AN INDEPENDENT WILL.” Penniless and alone, Jane emerges from a bleak childhood to make her way in life as a governess. At Thornfield Hall she falls in love with her mysterious employer Mr Rochester. However he is hiding a terrible secret that could ruin everything.

Jane’s bold spirit, sharp wit and great courage drives her to fight for her independence and to follow her heart, whatever the obstacles. This new stage adaption is a passionate and dramatic retelling of Charlotte Brontë’s masterpiece.

Performance times Evenings: 7.30pm 2pm Matinees: Sat 20, Wed 24, Sat 27, Sat 3 February Tickets £28.50 - £13 Concessions Up to £2 off* Groups and school prices available* *See page 35 for details Bargain Nights Thu 18, Fri 19 & Mon 22 January (tickets £19 – £12) Post Show Talk Mon 29 January (free) Investigate Day Sat 3 February Access performances Audio Described Thu 8 February, 7.30pm BSL Tue 6 February, 7.30pm Captioned Performance Mon 5 February, 7.30pm PRODUCTION SPONSOR

Auditorium Seating Plan In-the-round

Image credit Winter Hill. Photographer Jonathan Keenan

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Thu 15 February – Sat 10 March 2018 OCTAGON THEATRE BOLTON AND UNIVERSITY OF BOLTON PRESENT

HAMLET

By William Shakespeare Directed by David Thacker

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Hamlet returns from his life studying abroad to find his home utterly changed and his place in the world uncertain.

His father is dead and his mother is remarried to his uncle, who is now King.

Torn apart with grief and suspicion, Hamlet must decide on what to do. Should he act upon what he suspects and take revenge or accept the way things are?

As we find ourselves in an increasingly uncertain world, Shakespeare’s great tragedy resonates as never before in this startling production about trust, loyalty and one man’s struggle to control his destiny.

Performance times Evenings: 7.30pm 2pm Matinees: Fri 16, Wed 21, Sat 24, Wed 28 February, Sat 3 & Wed 7 March Tickets £28.50 - £13 Concessions Up to £2 off* Groups and school prices available* *See page 35 for details Bargain Nights Thu 15, Fri 16 & Mon 19 February (tickets £19 – £12) Post Show Talk Mon 5 March (free) Investigate Day Sat 3 March Access performances Audio Described Mon 5 March, 7.30pm BSL Tue 6 March, 7.30pm Captioned Performance Wed 7 March, 7.30pm Auditorium Seating Plan Thrust

Image credit Smithills Hall, Bolton.

Photographer Jonathan Keenan

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Thu 15 March – Sat 14 April 2018 OCTAGON THEATRE BOLTON PRESENTS

EAST IS EAST by

Ayub Khan Din

Directed by Ben Occhipinti

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For the seven kids of George Khan - proud Pakistani and chip shop owner - life is one long compromise.

Tomboy Meenah prefers playing footie to wearing a sari, hippy Saleem pretends to be studying engineering when he’s really at art school, heart-throb Tariq has got a reputation as a local Casanova, and Sajid hasn’t even been circumcised yet! For George, life is an uphill battle to get his family to conform to traditional Pakistani values. When the Khan kids begin to oppose their father, their English mother is forced to make a choice between her love for her husband and the right of her children to make their own way in the world.

Ayub Khan Din’s comedy about clashing cultures and family drama has won multiple awards, become a BAFTA winning film and is now being brought to life back in Bolton.

Age Guide 14+ Contains strong language Performance times Evenings: 7.30pm 2pm Matinees: Sat 17 , Wed 21, Sat 24, Sat 31 March, Sat 7, Sat 14 April *No performances on Fri 30 March & Mon 2 April Tickets £28.50 - £13 Concessions Up to £2 off* Groups and school prices available* *See page 35 for details Please note concession, group and school rates are not available for the last week of this production.

Bargain Nights Thu 15 March, Fri 16 & Mon 19 (tickets £19 – £12) Post Show Talk Tue 20 March (free) Investigate Day Sat 7 April

SAVE

WITH OUR SEASON TICKET!

Access performances Audio Described Thu 5 April, 7.30pm BSL Tue 3 April, 7.30pm Captioned Performance Wed 4 April, 7.30pm Auditorium Seating Plan In-the-round

Image credit Kirkby Road, Bolton. Photographer Jonathan Keenan

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Thu 19 April – Sat 5 May 2018 OCTAGON THEATRE BOLTON PRESENTS

THE BIG CORNER Adapted from the short stories of

Bill Naughton Lawrence Till

by

Directed by Elizabeth Newman

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Bill and Alf, two young Bolton lads hungry for adventure, discover the mystery and the delights of girls as they grow up together.

Every night they meet at the “Big Corner” at the end of the road to tell (and exaggerate) the stories of their days. One day they meet a girl and both fall in love. After choosing Alf, they marry and every night as they go to bed he tells her a story recounting his escapades growing up as she falls asleep. A kaleidoscope of Bolton life, The Big Corner is a story of hope, young friendship, love and heartache.

Bill Naughton wrote over a thousand short stories and memoirs of his time growing up in Bolton. For our 50th anniversary former Artistic Director Lawrence Till writes a new play that weaves together Naughton’s stories into a heartwarming and uplifting comedy.

Performance times Evenings: 7.30pm 2pm Matinees: Sat 21, Wed 25, Sat 28 April, Wed 2, Thu 3 & Sat 5 May Tickets £28.50 - £13 Concessions Up to £2 off* Groups and school prices available* *See page 35 for details Bargain Nights Thu 19, Fri 20 & Mon 23 April (tickets £19 – £12) Post Show Talk Mon 30 April (free) Investigate Day Sat 28 April

SAVE

WITH OUR SEASON TICKET!

Access performances Audio Described Wed 2 May, 7.30pm BSL Thu 3 May, 7.30pm Captioned Performance Tue 1 May, 7.30pm Auditorium Seating Plan In-the-round

Image credit

Horatio Street, Bolton Photograph by Humphrey Spender. Copyright Bolton Council from the Library and Museum collection

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Thu 31 May – Sat 23 June 2018 OCTAGON THEATRE BOLTON PRESENTS

SUMMER HOLIDAY Stage adaptation by Michael Gyngell & Mark Haddigan

Based on the film Summer Holiday, directed by Peter Yates, screenplay by Ronald Cass & Peter Myers and by special arrangement with StudioCanal, Orchestrations by Keith Strachan, Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited on behalf of Josef Weinberger Limited 22 BOX OFFICE 01204 520661

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WITH OUR SEASON TICKET!

Join us for our first off-site production with the feel good 1960’s musical - brought to life as never seen before...

During a miserable wet British summer, Don arrives with a borrowed double-decker bus ready to take his friends on a journey to sunny Athens. Join us as we tell the story of their summer adventure beginning in Bolton’s new interchange before we take you on a musical bus journey to the beautifully renovated Albert Halls to see the conclusion of Don’s fun-filled summer escapade across Europe.

Featuring songs such as Bachelor Boy, The Next Time and, of course, the title track Summer Holiday, this retelling of Cliff Richard’s classic musical promises to be an experience not to be missed.

In partnership with Bolton Council Supported by Transport For Greater Manchester Performance times Evenings: 7.30pm 2pm Matinees: Sat 2, Wed 6, Sat 9, Wed 13, Sat 16 & Sat 23 June Tickets £27.50 - £18.50 Concessions Up to £2 off* Groups and school prices available* *See page 35 for details Venue Bolton Interchange and Albert Halls Please note this performance is not in the Octagon building - see page 34 for details Bargain Nights Thu 31 May, Fri 1 & Mon 4 June (tickets £19 - £12) Post Show Talk Mon 18 June Investigate Day Sat 23 June

Directed by Elizabeth Newman & Ben Occhipinti

Access performances available - call box office on 01204 520661 or email boxoffice@octagonbolton.co.uk for details

Image credit Manchester Transport Museum. Photographer Jonathan Keenan

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SOMETHING BIG IS COMING TO BOLTON...

Fri 27 July – Sat 25 August 2018 OCTAGON THEATRE BOLTON PRESENTS

GULLIVER’S TRAVELS

Based on the novel by Jonathan Swift A new adaptation by Satinder Chohan and Mike Kenny Directed by Elizabeth Newman & Ben Occhipinti

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Treat your family and friends to an epic production in our first ever full scale outdoor show.

In summer 2018 we will transform Queen’s Park into the extraordinary lands from Jonathan’s Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels.

Join Gulliver for an outdoor walkabout experience that will bring to life the extraordinary places and people from this beloved children’s story.

Our talented cast of actors will be joined each performance by community choirs and groups to create an unforgettable experience in the beautiful setting of Bolton’s magnificent Queen’s Park.

In partnership with Bolton Council Age Guide 5+ We do not admit babes in arms (children under 18 months) Performance times Evenings: 7.30pm Tickets £26 – £17 Children £4 off Concessions £2 off Small Groups (4+) save up to £3 per ticket Groups rates available* *See page 35 for details Venue Queen’s Park Please note this is a promenade production and will involve moving to different locations within the park.

For further information call Box Office on 01204 520661 Bargain Nights Fri 27 & Mon 30 July (tickets £21 - £16.50)

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A SEASON OF NEW WRITING Thu 22February – Sat 10 March 2018

OCTAGON THEATRE BOLTON PRESENTS

SHERBET

By Sarah McDonald Hughes & Curtis Cole

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Moss Side, Manchester, 1997 – 2015. Jade and Nathan are just kids, fighting against the odds to stay together forever.

All they want is a normal life but, growing up in a world with no rules, it’s hard to tell right from wrong. A new play about childhood, responsibility and control.

Performance times Evenings: 7.30pm Tickets £12 2pm Matinee Sat 10 March Post Show Talks Thu 22 February, Thu 1 & Thu 8 March Investigate Day Sat 10 March (Tickets £17 including matinee) Season Ticket Holders £10 Multibuy: Book Sherbet & All I See Is You for just £20

Join us for the performance of two brand new plays.

Selected from hundreds of submissions from across the globe for the Octagon’s National Prize, these powerful new duologues will be performed for the first time in our studio for our 50th anniversary season.

Thu 29 March Sat 14 April 2018

OCTAGON THEATRE BOLTON PRESENTS

ALL I SEE IS YOU

By Kathrine Smith

Bobby and Ralph fall in love in the 1960s.

In an age when being gay was illegal, the two of them must defy society and the setbacks in their way.

Performance times Evenings: 7.30pm Tickets £12 2pm Matinees Sat 31 March & Sat 14 April Post Show Talks Thu 29 March, Thu 5 & Thu 12 April Investigate Day Sat 31 March (Tickets £17 including matinee) Season Ticket Holders £10 Multibuy: Book Sherbet & All I See Is You for just £20

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Sun 26 November 2017

THE BIG OCTAGON

BIRTHDAY PARTY In November 1967 we were officially opened by HRH Princess Margaret. To mark our 50th, we are throwing open our doors for you to join us for a big celebration!

Please come along for a fun-filled party at the Theatre with music, dancing, face painting, party games, backstage tours and much more!

11am – 4pm FREE

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WE NEED YOUR OCTAGON STORIES On our 50th birthday we want you to share your Octagon stories with us.

Over the last five decades we have been here for thousands of your special moments. From your first visit on a school trip, to a first date in our auditorium, to being part of our Youth Theatre.

We want to celebrate the magical moments we have shared together over our 50 years.

To be part of the celebration you can share your memories by...

• Completing a postcard in our Big Corner installation in the bar • Posting your memories, pictures, videos on twitter or instagram using #OCTAGON50 • Emailing your stories to octagon50@octagonbolton.co.uk To find out more visit octagonbolton.co.uk/stories

octagonbolton.co.uk octagonbolton.co.uk

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INVESTIGATE DAYS Ever wanted to find out more about our productions?

Join us as we explore the themes with the cast and director of the production in our popular Investigate Days.

These informal mornings are a wonderful way to delve deeper into the worlds we create on stage. Join us as we explore the process of how we produce plays at the Octagon with the writers, actors, directors and a chance for you to ask those burning questions.

Investigate Days Saturday at 10.30am followed by a matinee performance.

Tickets are just £24 or £7 for the morning session not including the matinee.

See the show pages for our upcoming dates.

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BEST OF BOLTON We are seeking writers to submit poetry, stories and short plays to be performed across two Best of Bolton showcases on Sat 11 November 2017.

Writers can be of any age and live anywhere; professional or beginner.

There are no rules on content, themes or the language in which submissions are written – we are eager to hear new voices and welcome diversity.

All work will be read by the Artistic Team at the Octagon and the winning entries will be performed by professional actors in the Octagon’s main auditorium.

For more information on how to be a part of the Best of Bolton visit octagonbolton.co.uk/newwriting

STORY PLAY GET INVOLVED Love theatre and want to get more involved?

We run youth theatre groups for ages 5 - 21 as well as adult groups and our Bridges provision for young people and adults with learning difficulties.

Find out more by visiting octagonbolton.co.uk or calling 01204 520661

An afternoon of storytelling where your little ones will be transported on a journey of fun and adventure!

One Friday per month – see octagonbolton.co.uk/storyplay for exact dates Octagon bar, 3pm & 4.30pm £5 per child with one free adult place per child Recommended for families of all ages octagonbolton.co.uk octagonbolton.co.uk

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REIMAGINING THE OCTAGON In 2018/19 we are transforming our building.

The Octagon was built in the 1960s with passion and dedication. We now need to improve our building to be welcoming, accessible and open for audiences and artists for another 50 years to come.

What will change?

In order to become fit for the 21st century our building will: • Be more accessible to those with disabilities • Have more space for young people and community groups • Improve our audience comfort & facilities including air conditioning & toilets

Mid-build 1967

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How long will it take?

How can you help?

The development of the building will be all encompassing and we will be out of the building from May 2018 until late 2019.

Don’t panic though! We will be producing our work out and about in Bolton during this period in new and exciting places for you to enjoy with us.

We have secured most of the funding for our new building but we need to raise a final £1.5million to reach our target. We are now seeking support from our donors and sponsors, and we will be launching a Public Appeal in 2018, when there will be many ways for supporters to get involved – please help us to transform our building for the next 50 years.

LOVE THE OCTAGON

OCTAGON THEATRE BOLTON CREATING STORIES | CHANGING LIVES

Ensure the story continues from just £4 a month…

The Octagon is more than just a theatre, it is a story. A story made in Bolton and written by our audiences, supporters, performers and participants.

Not only do we create nationally renowned theatre on our Bolton stage, we create life changing opportunities.

We offer great starts to emerging talent and give people of all ages and backgrounds confidence and lifechanging skills they can’t get elsewhere.

This is your theatre… ensure the story continues from just £4 a month.

To find out more contact Danielle Fearnley on 01204 557141 or loveoctagon@octagonbolton.co.uk

To Kill a Mockingbird, 2016 (Photographer Richard Davenport) octagonbolton.co.uk octagonbolton.co.uk

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TICKETS PRICES Rita, Sue and Bob Too, The Threepenny Opera, Jane Eyre, Hamlet, East is East, The Big Corner SAT EVE

FRI EVE

MON - THU EVE

SAT MATINEE

WEEKDAY MATINEE

STALLS – BAND A

£28.50

£26.50

£24.50

£22

£19

STALLS – BAND B

£25.50

£23.50

£21.50

£19.00

£16.50

GALLERY FRONT

£24.00

£22.00

£20.00

£17.00

£14.50

GALLERY REAR

£19.00

£15.50

£14.50

£13.50

£13.00

Summer Holiday SAT EVE

FRI EVE

WEEKDAY EVE

SAT MATINEE

WEEKDAY MATINEE

£27.50

£25.50

£23.50

£21.00

£18.50

Gulliver’s Travels SAT EVE

FRI EVE

MON -THU EVE

£26.00

£23

£21.00

• Children £4 off • Concessions £2 off • Small Groups (4+) save £3 extra per ticket

Summer Holiday Venue: The show will begin in Bolton’s new interchange you will then be transported via an interactive bus journey to see the conclusion of the performance in Bolton’s Albert Halls.

For further information please call 01204 520661 34 BOX OFFICE 01204 520661

CONCESSIONS AND DISCOUNTS

SEATING PLANS

Concessions

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

(excluding Fri & Sat evening performances, Bargain Nights & rear gallery on all performances) Concessions are available to age 16 years and under, full-time students, aged 65+ and retired, jobseekers, disabled patrons and their companion, Equity and NCA cardholders.

Please note concession, group and school rates are not available for the last week of East is East.

17-25? Tickets from just £6.50 If you’re aged 17-25 you can take advantage of our Young Person’s £6.50 Standby Ticket. Book on the day of the performance and pay just £6.50. Proof of ID will be required, subject to availability, maximum of 2 tickets per booking, only applies to seats in bands B or C. (excludes Fri & Sat evenings)

Groups 10+

Save £3 off full price tickets plus 1 free organiser ticket*

Groups 30+

In-the-round

Save £3.50 off full price tickets plus 1 free organiser ticket*

Schools

Tickets £11 - £18 plus 1 free teacher per 15 pupils*

Thrust

*Excludes Friday and Saturday evening performances, rear gallery on all performances & Bargain Night performances.

For full details on group rates visit octagonbolton.co.uk/groups or call Box Office on 01204 520661

TICKETS

Concessions save £2 off full price tickets

Groups and schools

End stage

Save with our season ticket offer!

With our Season Ticket offer you make significant savings on the price of your tickets as well as enjoying some great benefits. Tickets from £20 per show! See pages 4-5 for full details

Stalls – No seat is more than 9 rows from the stage Gallery – A two row balcony where you lean forward slightly and look down to see accessed via stairs.

May be a restricted view for anyone under 9 years old.

All discounts are subject to availability octagonbolton.co.uk octagonbolton.co.uk

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A CHRISTMAS CAROL Tickets & Schedule

A Christmas Carol Ticket Prices PEAK

STANDARD

OFF-PEAK

STALLS – BAND A

£26.00

£24.50

£21.00

STALLS – BAND B

£23.00

£21.50

£18.00

GALLERY FRONT

£20.00

£18.50

£15.00

GALLERY REAR

£17.00

£15.50

£12.00

Concessions and Discounts Children £3 off* Concessions £2 off* Small Groups (4+) Save £3 extra per ticket*. *Excluding rear gallery

Groups 10+

£17.50 - £12* plus 1 free adult for every 10 child tickets. *Excluding peak performances

Schools

£16.50 - £12* plus 1 free teacher for every 10 child tickets. *Excluding peak performances

A Christmas Carol – schedule Fri 17 Nov 2.15pm

Sat 18 Nov Mon 20 Nov

10.30am

Tue 21 Nov

10.30am

Wed 22 Nov

10.30am

Thu 23 Nov

10.30am

Fri 24 Nov

10.30am

Tue 28 Nov

10.30am

Wed 29 Nov

10.30am

Thu 30 Nov

10.30am

Fri 01 Dec

10.30am

Sat 02 Dec

Mon 18 Dec

10.30am

2.15pm

7pm

Tue 19 Dec

10.30am

2.15pm

7pm

Wed 20 Dec

10.30am

2.15pm

Thu 21 Dec

10.30am

2.15am

2.15pm

Sat 25 Nov

7pm

2.15pm

7pm

7pm

Sat 23 Dec

2.15pm

7pm

7pm

Tue 26 Dec

7pm

Wed 27 Dec

2.15pm

7pm

Thu 28 Dec

2.15pm

7pm

Fri 29 Dec

2.15pm

7pm

Sat 30 Dec

2.15pm

7pm

7pm

Tue 02 Jan

2.15pm

7pm

Wed 03 Jan

2.15pm

2.15pm

7pm

Fri 22 Dec

4pm

7pm 7pm

Mon 04 Dec

10.30am

2.15pm

Thu 04 Jan

10.30am

7pm

Tue 05 Dec

10.30am

2.15pm

Fri 05 Jan

10.30am

7pm

Wed 06 Dec

10.30am

2.15pm

Sat 06 Jan

Thu 07 Dec

10.30am

2.15pm

Mon 08 Jan

10.30am

Fri 08 Dec

10.30am

7pm

Tue 09 Jan

10.30am

7pm

Wed 10 Jan

2.15pm

Sat 09 Dec

7pm

10.30am

7pm

Thu 11 Jan

11am

7pm

2.15pm

Fri 12 Jan

10.30am

2.15pm

Sat 13 Jan

Mon 11 Dec

10.30am

2.15pm

Tue 12 Dec

10.30am

Wed 13 Dec

10.30am

Thu 14 Dec

10.30am

2.15pm

Fri 15 Dec

10.30am

Sat 16 Dec

2.15pm

7pm 2.15pm

36 BOX OFFICE 01204 520661

7pm

off-peak

7pm 2.15pm

standard

peak

7pm

relaxed

See page 38 for details on the relaxed performance

FRESH HOMEMADE FOOD AND BEVERAGES AVAILABLE MONDAY – SATURDAY FROM 9AM

Why not come early and enjoy an evening of delicious food and drink before a performance?

Take advantage of our offer of two freshly baked pizzas and a bottle of house wine for £27, served Mon - Sat from 12noon onwards.

SEASON TICKETS

PRETHEATRE DINING

Alternatively you can enjoy two delicious courses for just £18, served from 5pm.

SEASON TICKET HOLDERS

save 10%

on all food and non-alcoholic drinks in eight.

Visit octagonbolton.co.uk for our latest seasonal menus.

Please call Box Office on 01204 520661 to reserve your table. octagonbolton.co.uk

37

ACCESS

We are committed to making our theatre accessible for all visitors and we want to make your visit to the Theatre as enjoyable as possible. We offer a range of access performances at the Octagon. To discuss access requirements please contact the Box Office on 01204 520661 or email boxoffice@octagonbolton.co.uk

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

There is a disabled parking bay close to the theatre entrance.

Deaf and hard of hearing customers: The Octagon has an infra-red hearing system. Via a headset, sound is slightly amplified for customers with or without hearing aids. Please pre-book headsets with Box Office staff.

See show pages for British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performances and mention when booking.

Captioned performances: During captioned performances the spoken word is displayed on a unit to give access for deaf, deafened and hard of hearing customers. See show pages for Captioned Performances and mention when booking.

Blind and visually impaired customers:

Audio-Described performances offer a live commentary via a headset. See show pages for dates and book your headset with the Box Office. Let us know if you are bringing a guide dog it can stay with you in the auditorium or be looked after by staff. A touch tour is available before the described performance.

Relaxed performances We have 2 relaxed performances for A Christmas Carol on Fri 11 January 2018.

Relaxed performances are specifically designed to welcome people with an autistic spectrum condition, learning disability, a sensory or communication need into theatres. There is a relaxed attitude to audience noise and movement, and small changes to the sound levels and lighting effects. There are also other provisions such as visual stories, a chill-out space, and extra staff around to offer a helping hand.

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

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

38 BOX OFFICE 01204 520661

BOOKING FIND US

Performance days:

9am – 7.30pm (until 7pm on the phone)

Non-performance days: 9am – 5.30pm

We are closed Sundays We accept cheques and major credit/debit cards. There is a 75p charge to post tickets.

Please note we do not offer refunds. Tickets may however be exchanged or a credit note given if tickets are returned to us 24 hours before the performance. A £1 exchange fee applies.

All patrons must have a ticket.

Please note we do not admit babes in arms.

Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB The Octagon is situated in the heart of the town centre, opposite the Library and Museum. We are a five minute walk from the train and bus stations.

The nearest car park is the Octagon NCP multi-storey car park adjacent to us: Great Moor Street, Bolton BL1 1TN

Tel: 0345 050 7080

Please note: Some productions may contain smoking, strong language, themes of an adult nature, stage smoke and/or strobe lighting.

Ask when booking for more information.

All information is accurate at the time of going to print. The Octagon Theatre reserves the right to make alterations if necessary.

Octagon Theatre patrons get a discounted rate from the Octagon NCP car park if parking after 5pm – bring your ticket to the theatre for validation.

INFORMATION

Box Office: 01204 520661

SAT NAV: BL1 1TN (car park)

24hr ticket bookings

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

octagonbolton.co.uk

39

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN Thu 17 - Sat 19 August 2017 RITA, SUE AND BOB TOO Wed 6 – Sat 23 September 2017 THE THREEPENNY OPERA Thu 12 October – Sat 4 November 2017 A CHRISTMAS CAROL Fri 17 November 2017 – Sat 13 January 2018 JANE EYRE Thu 18 January – Sat 10 February 2018

50 YEARS OF MAKING THEATRE IN BOLTON

HAMLET Thu 15 February – Sat 10 March 2018 EAST IS EAST Thu 15 March – Sat 14 April 2018 THE BIG CORNER Thu 19 April – Sat 5 May 2018 SUMMER HOLIDAY Thu 31 May – Sat 23 June 2018 GULLIVER’S TRAVELS Fri 27 July – Sat 25 August 2018

FUNDERS

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

PRINCIPAL PATRON

MAJOR PARTNER

Sue Hodgkiss, CBE DL

CORPORATE SUPPORTERS ROCKGLEN Bolton

/OctagonBolton

@octagontheatre

DEVELOPMENTS

@octagontheatre

Join our mailing list! Go to octagonbolton.co.uk

box office 01204 520661 octagonbolton.co.uk Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB

The Octagon Theatre Trust is a Limited Company Registered in England No: 882226. Registered Charity No. 248833

40 BOX OFFICE 01204 520661