Local Reviews
In November 2017, barrym48 said about Octagon Theatre
We went with friends to see The Threepenny Opera last Friday night as my birthday treat and what a treat it was. The music was great, the acting was super and the combination held the audience enthralled. We go all the time, isn't it time you went.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2017, Brendan M said about Octagon Theatre
A Christmas Carol was the show. Excellent cast that makes use of minimalistic scenery to entertain the audience with this iconic of tales.
This isn't a pantomime and perhaps, looking at the younger audience people misunderstood it to be.
The play was well delivered and have to state that the younger actors were exceptional, young people don't always get the praise they deserve.
A very diverse cast, Scrooge was well played and the narration to set the scenes were excellent. Good use of music and lighting. The stage being in the centre was new to me and I found it excellent.
The Theatre: In the city centre, 5 minutes walk from the train station. It is well presented with a good if not extensive, selection drinks available. There is a modest cake/coffee area on the lower level and selection of hot drinks, alcohol, sweets etc upstairs. Good toilet facilities (even though one door had a lock missing).
When booking beware that the seating area can change. The seat you thought was on the end of row could really be in the middle.
Really wonder at the logic of selling crisps in a theatre? Trying to catch the dialogue above the rustle and crunch of cheese and onion crisps is difficult.
This isn't a pantomime and perhaps, looking at the younger audience people misunderstood it to be.
The play was well delivered and have to state that the younger actors were exceptional, young people don't always get the praise they deserve.
A very diverse cast, Scrooge was well played and the narration to set the scenes were excellent. Good use of music and lighting. The stage being in the centre was new to me and I found it excellent.
The Theatre: In the city centre, 5 minutes walk from the train station. It is well presented with a good if not extensive, selection drinks available. There is a modest cake/coffee area on the lower level and selection of hot drinks, alcohol, sweets etc upstairs. Good toilet facilities (even though one door had a lock missing).
When booking beware that the seating area can change. The seat you thought was on the end of row could really be in the middle.
Really wonder at the logic of selling crisps in a theatre? Trying to catch the dialogue above the rustle and crunch of cheese and onion crisps is difficult.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2017, Candj9173 said about Octagon Theatre
I've visited this theatre twice in the last year - To Kill A Mockingbird in Sept 2016 and Christmas Carol in November 2017. What a fab venue. It's small, spotlessly clean and intimate. The staff are friendly and the bar isn't a rip-off.
Central to Bolton and all transport links. Hope to be back soon!
Central to Bolton and all transport links. Hope to be back soon!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2017, val-edson1 said about Octagon Theatre
This was a wonderful production thoroughly enjoyed by all my party.However I must mention a health and safety issue.There should be hand rails to help older and less nimble patrons to come down the steps to their seats.I myself felt very unsafe and one of my party actually fell.This should be addressed and I`m surprised it hasn`t been pointed out sooner.Apart from this issue the visit was a delight.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2018, edmcgurk said about Octagon Theatre
Very good theatre, seating, bar and cafe. Excellent arts programme throughout the year, well acted, directed and produced. Well worthy of joining the mailing list.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2018, Sue A said about Octagon Theatre
This is such a lovely welcoming place. It was easy to book the performance and when we arrived in Bolton very easy to park. The theatre has a lovely cafe/restaurant with a very lovely atmosphere. The seating was great and a superb cast that portrayed the story of Jayne Eyre adapted from Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel with care and feeling. The theatre has a lovely personal feel. Thank you.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2018, MancTeacher said about Octagon Theatre
This is one of the friendliest theatres in the North West. The staff go out of their way to help you. The tickets are really reasonable, in terms of price.
I saw Jane Eyre today at a matinee and the views are great wherever you sit, as the venue is small. You can book a table and dine here before the show. But, do book as it always gets packed.
Jane Eyre is an earthy production, which is incredibly well acted. The small cast fill the stage. The sound design is perfect and Michael Peavoy and Jessica Baglow are both brilliant, as Rochester and Jane Eyre.
The seats are comfortable, and air con is coming soon. It is hot inside the auditorium, so this will be really welcome.
If you like a theatre company that takes risks and shows classics, get to the Octagon. It is a great place and a great space.
I saw Jane Eyre today at a matinee and the views are great wherever you sit, as the venue is small. You can book a table and dine here before the show. But, do book as it always gets packed.
Jane Eyre is an earthy production, which is incredibly well acted. The small cast fill the stage. The sound design is perfect and Michael Peavoy and Jessica Baglow are both brilliant, as Rochester and Jane Eyre.
The seats are comfortable, and air con is coming soon. It is hot inside the auditorium, so this will be really welcome.
If you like a theatre company that takes risks and shows classics, get to the Octagon. It is a great place and a great space.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2018, Ashley Barbie C said about Octagon Theatre
We went to see the recent production of Jane eyre with colleagues. Initially i (ashamedly so!) was a bit sceptical, having never visited this theatre before, and having seen some rubbish in ‘local theatres’. How wrong I was! This was an excellently scripted, beautifully acted play- the minimalist stage was perfect and it was simply brilliant. I would love to go and watch something here again and recommended it to people since. Simply marvellous!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2018, 1944traveller said about Octagon Theatre
Rather bizarrely, I thought, the production began with an announcement that the actor playing Jane was ill and would be played by someone else.Unfortunately this person didn`t know the part so spent the entire play wandering about reading from a script.I found this so off putting that the whole experience was spoilt for me and I came away feeling disappointed and more than a little cheated.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2018, honorking said about Octagon Theatre
I throughly enjoyed watching Hamlet at the Octagon Theatre, on a very freezing cold afternoon, with a depleted audience All the cast were extremely good, a very high standard, and no weak link! David Rcardo-Pearce however was mesmerising, and extremely engaging. I loved it! I love Shakespeare but, this was the fist time I have seen Hamlet. Definitely good direction from David Thacker.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk