Bolton Octagon new autumn season
- Alan Hulme
- 14 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A classic comedy by Noel Coward, an Alan Ayckbourn comedy-thriller, a Dickensian festive classic and a new John Godber comedy are among the attractions of the new autumn season from Bolton Octagon.
The season also has a Shakespearian tragedy, comedy from performance group Le Navet Bete and more.
Coward’s timeless Private Lives (September 4-27) opens the season, directed by Sir Peter Hall Director Award-winner Tanuja Amarasuriya. Set within the backdrop of 1930s glamour, this adaptation promises to be "hilarious and shocking".
Following it will be Alan Ayckbourn’s dark comedy Snake In The Grass (October 9-25) in a co-production with Theatr Clwyd. Family secrets and buried truths resurface between sisters Annabel and Miriam following the death of their father.
For Christmas there's a musical version of Dickens' A Christmas Carol (November 13-January 10), followed in early 2026 by Shakespeare's Macbeth (March 4-28) in a co-production with Derby Theatre and Hull Truck Theatre, directed by Hull Truck artistic director and former Octagon artistic director, Mark Babych.
Other theatre highlights include Le Navet Bete (writers of Dracula: The Bloody Truth) with a retelling of the legend of King Arthur (September 30-October 4). The John Godber Company return with Black Tie Ball (October 29- November 1), a comedy recounting the glitziest night of the year, as hotel staff recount a glamorous event at breakneck speed.
The Octagon will also present its first ever Awaaz Festival (June 29, programme to be announced shortly) showcasing the finest South Asian arts and culture.
Comedy fans can look forward to the return of Octagon Comedy Club, moving to the main auditorium and featuring top stand-up comedians.
Families should look out for Family Saturdays (see here for all dates), with free interactive storytelling followed by arts, crafts and creative activities to help spark creativity and imaginations for families with children aged four and over.
The Octagon’s annual Family Festival will also make a return this summer (August 23-25), a free, three-day event filled with arts and crafts, storytelling, dancing, workshops and more for families. Mrs Claus Saves Christmas, a show for children aged 3-7, is in the Studio (December 10-24).
Octagon artistic director Lotte Wakeham said: “I’m thrilled we’re kicking off the autumn season with a new production of Private Lives, directed by Tanuja Amarasuriya, winner of the Sir Peter Hall Award. We then have a stellar selection of productions from some of the world’s most iconic playwrights."
More info and tickets here
