Local Reviews
In January 2015, Graham D said about Octagon Theatre
Our family saw Alice in Wonderland at the Bolton Octagon, which was as Good as anything seen here before. The show was very imaginative and clever, appealing to adults and children alike. The theatre puts on a wide range of plays throughout the year, and everyone is a success. A play here offers the best value for money anywhere.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2015, SkopelosChris said about Octagon Theatre
I really like the Octagon. Brilliant repertory theatre. A small intimate venue with a endlessly flexible auditorium in the round which looks different every time I go. Nice food in the bistro downstairs and the theatre bar has been refurbished for the better. Just went to see David Thacker adaptation of Arthur Miller's A View From The Bridge. Excellent, top quality. Go and see it. Wish you could buy a Silver Season Ticket that let's you in on Saturday though... Come on Marketing Dept please review, you're missing a trick!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2015, BarbaraOz said about Octagon Theatre
Beltin' on till 21st March, you need to see.............xxxxxxxxx witty funny sweet....can see photos on google
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2015, NEWLIFE2 said about Octagon Theatre
My Wife and I visited the Octagon for a Saturday Matinee performance of Noel Cowards Private Lives. We had a wonderful time from start to finish. The first surprise of the day was free parking at the NCP multi storey car park , so convenient, literally a few yards from the theatre, I believe its also free on a Sunday, and with discounted weekday evening parking for theatregoers, it all helps in these austere times.
We arrived at the theatre about 45 minutes before the play was due to start, and were greeted by members of staff as we entered, they were very amenable in their disposition without being obtrusive, and smartly turned out.
We didn't eat at the theatre on this occasion, but having purchased a programme (£3) we decided to head up to the first floor bar for a pre-performance drink. Our second pleasant surprise of the day was the (new to us) layout of the bar area, and the high standard to which it has been designed, and refurbished. There is a variety of comfortable seating for a substantial number of people, much of which overlooks the many adjacent buildings of architectural interest, also good for watching the world go by! , as well as standing room for those who prefer to. The furnishings were of a high standard, and tastefully colour co-ordinated
I also noticed that there was good wheelchair access to the bar area via a lift, I guess a wheelchair user, and maybe two friends/family members could travel in it at the same.
time.
My Wife had a glass of dry white wine (large!) and I had a soft drink as the nominated driver, drinks were very reasonably priced when compared to what I have paid at other venues in the North West.
I think the programme deserves a special mention, it was priced at £3, most Manchester venues charge in the region of £5, I found it to be very well produced with not only lots of interesting information about the days performance, but it also covered issues of the theatre's role in the wider community, and the Octagons pro-active approach to enhancing the arts in general.
Our seats were competitively priced, comfortable with adequate room to the front for my knees, as well as to the side. The ambient temperature was just right. We were having such a good time and the performance hadn't yet begun!
Noel Coward has always been one of our favourites and we weren't disappointed in the least with the production, the set was imaginative, the period costumes were fantastic, if only I could have bought a few of the gentleman's suits and some of the furniture, it certainly was a period of style and glitz. The acting was outstanding, and for a couple of hours we were both lost in the 1920's.
We had a wonderful time and left looking forward to our next visit, the facilities and the performance would stand equally against many London theatres. not just similar regional theatres.
A gem in Bolton's crown, and a key part of regenerating the town to what it was in my youth!
We arrived at the theatre about 45 minutes before the play was due to start, and were greeted by members of staff as we entered, they were very amenable in their disposition without being obtrusive, and smartly turned out.
We didn't eat at the theatre on this occasion, but having purchased a programme (£3) we decided to head up to the first floor bar for a pre-performance drink. Our second pleasant surprise of the day was the (new to us) layout of the bar area, and the high standard to which it has been designed, and refurbished. There is a variety of comfortable seating for a substantial number of people, much of which overlooks the many adjacent buildings of architectural interest, also good for watching the world go by! , as well as standing room for those who prefer to. The furnishings were of a high standard, and tastefully colour co-ordinated
I also noticed that there was good wheelchair access to the bar area via a lift, I guess a wheelchair user, and maybe two friends/family members could travel in it at the same.
time.
My Wife had a glass of dry white wine (large!) and I had a soft drink as the nominated driver, drinks were very reasonably priced when compared to what I have paid at other venues in the North West.
I think the programme deserves a special mention, it was priced at £3, most Manchester venues charge in the region of £5, I found it to be very well produced with not only lots of interesting information about the days performance, but it also covered issues of the theatre's role in the wider community, and the Octagons pro-active approach to enhancing the arts in general.
Our seats were competitively priced, comfortable with adequate room to the front for my knees, as well as to the side. The ambient temperature was just right. We were having such a good time and the performance hadn't yet begun!
Noel Coward has always been one of our favourites and we weren't disappointed in the least with the production, the set was imaginative, the period costumes were fantastic, if only I could have bought a few of the gentleman's suits and some of the furniture, it certainly was a period of style and glitz. The acting was outstanding, and for a couple of hours we were both lost in the 1920's.
We had a wonderful time and left looking forward to our next visit, the facilities and the performance would stand equally against many London theatres. not just similar regional theatres.
A gem in Bolton's crown, and a key part of regenerating the town to what it was in my youth!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2015, M T said about Octagon Theatre
Once again we have been blown over by the quality and professionalism of the actors in their latest production. We have had a Season Ticket for the Octagon for many years and find it a very economical way to see at the plays. The new design and layout of the restaurant and bar area upstairs is excellent and had us reminiscing about how the Octagon Theatre has changed over the years. You can get a well priced pre theatre meal and a range of quality drinks and beverages upstairs in the bar.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2015, a8oeight said about Octagon Theatre
The Octagon is a great, local theatre with all the expected facilities being up to standard, except for one massively important thing. The air conditioning in the auditorium is abysmal, resulting in a stifling & stuffy atmosphere that necessitates people to be fanning themselves with their programmes, shifting around in seats to attempt to avoid sticking to them, a few people nodding off (I'm sure it wasn't down to the actual performance we watched) and therefore is a big distraction and detraction from the stage performance. Before I think of going there again I'll be phoning to check that the auditorium air con is up to scratch!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2015, outdoorliving said about Octagon Theatre
We had a horrendous journey on the motorway from Altrincham last Friday but the meal at the Restaurant and the Play made up for it completely.The Restaurant was very busy and unfortunately our meal took a long time arriving. We had to have our Cheese and Biscuits during the interval with a glass of left over wine from the meal. We started with Soup and smoked salmon with Venison Goulash and Salmon with new poatoes for the mains. But be warned, by 6.15, they had run out of the chicken choice. House Red was as usual very palatable.
The play was fantastic - older and younger versions performed brilliantly and the book loving shop owner moved us to tears (almost)! The Octagon has had a very good season and we look forward to the next one most expectantly. Congratulations for discovering this play - we have been going to various theatres in the NorthWest for over 40 years now and had never seen this play before. The only disappointment for us was the (few) empty seats - Boltonians should be flocking to see a play as wonderfully acted and produced as this.
Motorway was quiet on the way home and the journey uneventful - in case you want to know!
The play was fantastic - older and younger versions performed brilliantly and the book loving shop owner moved us to tears (almost)! The Octagon has had a very good season and we look forward to the next one most expectantly. Congratulations for discovering this play - we have been going to various theatres in the NorthWest for over 40 years now and had never seen this play before. The only disappointment for us was the (few) empty seats - Boltonians should be flocking to see a play as wonderfully acted and produced as this.
Motorway was quiet on the way home and the journey uneventful - in case you want to know!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2015, John A said about Octagon Theatre
The small auditorium brings you right into the action on stage. I found the seating comfortable and the facilities are adequate.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2015, GAZZA57UK said about Octagon Theatre
I have visited the Octagon many time over many years and have enjoyed it every time. Although many of the plays may not be to everyone's taste it is still enjoyable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2015, frodoireland_11 said about Octagon Theatre
I recently went to see The Ancient Secret of Youth and the Five Tibetans. I have to say it was a brilliant play. Denise Welch was fantastic.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk