A UK premiere, two revivals, a literary classic, a comedy-caper adaptation of an iconic thriller, a Gothic classic and a new John Godber comedy are on offer in Bolton Octagon's new spring and summer season – as well as a Dickensian classic for Christmas 2025.
The season opens with the already-announced return of the Octagon’s 2024 production of George Orwell's Animal Farm (January 22-February 1) and Mina Anwar reprising the title role in Willy
Russell comedy Shirley Valentine (February 7-March 8).
Next comes a new co-production (with Derby Theatre, Hull Truck Theatre and Theatre by the Lake) of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men (March 26-April 12). Sarah Brigham directs this classic tale of friendship and hope about two drifters, Lennie and George, during America's Great Depression. .
A comedy adaptation of John Buchan's iconic thriller The Thirty Nine Steps (April 16– May 10) follows, another co-production, this with Wiltshire Creative and the Mercury Theatre, Colchester.
A new production of Jane Austen classic Pride and Prejudice (June 5-28), has been adapted by award-winning playwright Kate Hamill and is directed by Octagon’s artistic director, Lotte Wakeham. It's another co-production, with the Stephen Joseph Theatre and Theatre by the Lake.
Christmas 2025 (November 13-January 10, 2026) features a new musical adaptation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
Incoming productions on tour include the John Godber Company in Do I Love You? (March 11-15), a new comedy about Northern Soul music; Blackeyed Theatre's version of the Bram Stoker Gothic classic Dracula (May 21-24) and comedy company Le Navet Bete's retelling of the Arthurian legend in King Arthur (September 30-October 4).
Lotte Wakeham said: “We know Octagon audiences love adaptations of novels and classic films so we are thrilled to have some unmissable productions, including stories from some of literature’s most beloved authors. I’m particularly excited to be directing the UK premiere of Kate Hamill’s brilliant adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
“We have have touring shows from across the country, from hilarious comedy to powerful drama and sensational music tributes.
“We pride ourselves on offering our audiences unrivalled theatrical experiences and I’m confident we have top quality entertainment for everyone to enjoy next spring and summer.”
More info and tickets here