Our History

The Octagon has been setting a standard for theatre in the North West since 1967. Read firsthand accounts about some of the fascinating moments in the Octagon's history. Or from this summer you will be able to visit our production archive with listings and images of Octagon shows from the past 10 years.

1967 - 1977

Celebrating 40 Years of The Octagon Theatre ‘There was a sense of enormous achievement and a feeling that anything was possible, which was typical of the late 60s. The feeling behind the Octagon was to get everyone interested in the theatre...

1977 - 1987

Celebrating 40 Years of The Octagon Theatre ‘Bolton audiences are great. Having worked all over the country I found Bolton audiences to be up for it... willing to take a chance, have fun and enjoy themselves. The Octagon’s theatre...

1987 - 1997

‘My abiding memory is when I came down to the box office one day and saw two lads in their work gear, full of dust, wanting four tickets for that night’s performance. That proved to me that the Octagon was a place where anyone could walk...

1997 - 2007

In the summer of 1999 I had a call from my agent asking me if I would be interested in attending an interview for the post of Resident Director…I came for the interview, which was only really for three shows and they offered me the job. I have...