If you’ve never been to the Octagon Theatre before you may have a few questions. We have tried to answer some of them here but if you can’t find the information you are looking for, please check other areas of the site or email info@octagonbolton.co.uk.

What to Wear
We know that some people worry about what to wear to the theatre, and the answer is… whatever you like! Whilst some people like to dress up in their very best clothes to enjoy a special night out at the theatre, you’ll find equally as many in jeans and casual clothes.

Latecomers
It’s best to aim to arrive well before the advertised starting time of the show you’re coming to see – if you need to collect your tickets from Ticket Office there may be a queue at the last minute. If you are paying for your tickets on the night you need to have purchased your tickets by 7pm or they may be released for re-sale. The doors to the auditorium usually open around 30 minutes before the show starts – you’ll hear an announcement over the public address system in the foyer and bar areas.

We understand that sometimes lateness is unavoidable, and we will do everything we can to make sure that you can still enjoy your evening. In the Main House, we will generally allow admission at some point during the first half when there is a suitable point in the performance, and one of our Ushers will help you to a seat. You can watch the performance on screens in the William Hare Bar until a point when you can be admitted to the auditorium.

Programmes
All Main House shows at the Octagon Theatre have an accompanying programme available to purchase for just £3. Programmes are available from from the Usher in the foyer, on the doors to the auditorium or you can purchase programmes from the Bar or Ticket Office.

If you would just like to see who is in the cast there is a cast list opposite the main doors in our foyer.

Drinks and treats
We sell a selection of confectionary in the foyer prior to the performance and during the interval and ice-creams are available during the interval in both the foyer and the Bar.

The William Hare Bar sells a selection of beers, wines and spirits. The Bar is open from 6pm on performance nights and open after the show for post show drinks. Interval drinks can be pre-ordered at the bar before the performance and will be ready for you to pick up from the back of the bar. Should you wish to take your drink into the auditorium we can provide a suitable container. Hot beverages and further soft drinks can be purchased from our Café prior to the show or during the interval.

Phones/Cameras/Video cameras
Please turn your mobile phone (or any other noisy gadgets) to silent before you come into the theatre. Cameras, video cameras and any other kind of recording equipment are strictly not allowed in the auditorium. Should be spotted taking pictures during a performance one of our Front of House staff will request that you delete them.

Intervals
Most performances have an interval of about 20 minutes partway through the show, where you can get a drink or an ice cream, have a comfort break or simply remain in your seat and read your programme.

Access
Access to most of the seating requires the use of stairs; please mention any access requirements when booking. Please see Access pages for more information.