Octagon Theatre

4.8/5 based on 1045 reviews
Latest Reviews
Excellent production which was in the round and when actors had their back to you it was difficult to hear what they were saying, On a few occasions we missed the laughs. Friends who were sitting closer also missed the diction when the actors faced the other side. A central microphone would have helped.

Jan M
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have been to see a number of plays here, Educating Rita is another in a long line of outstanding performances. The theatre is intimate and staff helpful and welcoming.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having visited x3 times before we were looking forward to a relaxing drink in the bar before the 7.30pm show. Left manchester by car at 6pm. Lots more traffic than usual. As you follow the signs from the dual Carriageway you are led into city centre Bolton - and every left turn for the theatre was blocked for building work or no entry. Had to park near a large market hall and run in the rain to get to the theatre. 7.35pm. Front doors locked. When we were let in we had to wait in the upstairs theatre bar for an appropriate time to enter the auditorium. Only x10 mins but still annoying. Maybe details on the website about the city centre building disruption would be an idea. Great staff and good - long show.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Every production we have seen has been of the highest standard, performed with skill and enthusiasm in an intimate and often intense atmosphere. Sets range from interestingly minimalist to ingeniously complex, and the "in the round" auditorium draws the viewer right into the performance. The cast always give 110% effort into each performance and will often be rewarded with a well deserved standing ovation.<br>There is an excellent café on the ground floor, and bar on the first floor. All facilities are good and include disabled access and lift. Staff and volunteers are friendly, welcoming and always ready to help.<br>In addition to the theatre, there are also a number of community focused activities, courses and events and workshops available.
google.com
Source: google.com
Quality theatre
google.com
Source: google.com
Arranged a trip for over 50 people from Lancaster Area. Theatre very good play excellent ..The area is good for lunches pre matinee and the theatre also has a restaurant.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Looking it's age a bit but a charming theatre, can't beat that theatre in the round experience. All staff great
google.com
Source: google.com
Just got back from watching educating rita. Thoroughly enjoyed it although bit long winded. The cast (all 2 of them) were brilliant. How hard must it be for just 2 people to do a full production. Excellent and congratulations
google.com
Source: google.com
Fantastic theatre experience so close to the actors
google.com
Source: google.com
Went to the octagon theatre on Monday 2nd January to watch Cinderella with our 12 year old daughter. What a great evening. It doesn't matter where you are seated as you can see everything from anywhere in the theatre. It is a small theatre but the actors really did manage to use the space well. The characters interacted with the audience and were absolutely brilliant. The seats are comfy and give you plenty of space so you don't feel like you are sitting on top of someone else. A great night out with easy and free parking.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wow went to see cinderella with my 6 year old son. It was magical. Not your usual comedy panto but a performance based around the story. What a talented cast who played live instruments whilst singing and dancing. It was spot on for younger children 45 mins each half. Highly recommend.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
By far my favourite theatre 🎦,all productions I have seen have been extremely enjoyable.Great atmosphere - all good seats .
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been season ticket holders at the Octagon for several years. The productions are invariably excellent offering a range of choices all with with great acting, stunning sets, moving stories. We have never been other than thrilled, overwhelmed often very amused with all that hey have put on over the years.

In addition the restaurant offers great meals with a wide range of choices.
The staff in the theatre and the restaurant are first class
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Been to this theatre a number of times and we absolutely love it! Always go as a family with my 2 younger sisters 17 and 14 and they always enjoy the shows just as much as me! Always a warm welcome and friendly workers. The shows are done so well considering its only a small space they always make the most of the stage area. Been here for afternoon tea in a number of occasions too and its lovely food thats well priced! Will definitely be returning in the future for food and shows!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A nice cafe spotless .and reasonable prices for what you fancy to eat and drink.
google.com
Source: google.com
We loved this show and venue. Easy access. Comfy seats. Helpful staff. My wife had mobility issues and they helped us to lift. More legroom than average. And a great show - very talented 6 actors / musicians swapping roles and instruments. All ages from 10-70 loved it in our group. Lots of laughs and a fresh take on cinders without the hoary Panto bits.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We love this theatre and go every New Year with our grandchildren. The BFG was truly magical last year..totally absorbing and easy to follow .<br>With 3 grandchildren in tow aged 3 to 8 we came on our annual trip to see Cinderella. We noticed a sound very early on..quite loud and at short intervals coming from behind us. The children were distracted and kept looking round . Eventually when the sound peaked I realised it was coming from a teenage girl in a wheelchair.<br>Whilst I believe we should be enabling all members of society to benefit from such performances I understand there was a separate performance that people with disabilities could attend.<br>My grandchildren were so distracted by her sounds that they didn't benefit from the amazing musical intricacies that brought the performance to life as they were at all times looking for where the grunting sound was coming from. As grandparents we found this very upsetting.<br>The cast as usual were excellent their musicality amazing.How sad that the performance was spoiled for ours and other young children. I would suggest that persons accompanying a noisy person could be asked to sit outside the auditorium until the person becomes quiet or better still attend the performance available for anyone with special needs that could affect the enjoyment of others.
google.com
Source: google.com
Lovely little theatre. Always enjoyable experience
google.com
Source: google.com
Attended many performances here, great place, good bar,nice cafe, good to see refurbishment try a performance, you maybe surprised who is sitting next to you.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great local theatre
google.com
Source: google.com
Octagon is a visitor friendly theatre. Access is available to all levels. The cafe, restaurant and bar is consumer friendly. We had pre-theatre dinner which was seasonal with excellent choice, though prices are a bit steep but this is to be expected in a dedicated theatre restaurant. Overall an excellent family outing on Boxing day, table needs to verify booked for pre-shrunk dinners. Check seasonal menu on line,
google.com
Source: google.com
Went to the Octagon Theatre with my family to watch Cinderella on Thursday 29th Dec. Absolutely fantastic, the acting was brilliant and all the actors really engaged with the audience at all times. My son enjoyed himself.

If you want "He's behind you" then this is not for you as the performance is focussed on a proper script, story, superb acting and drama. I cant wait for next years adaptation of A Christmas Carol.

Thank you Octagon for a enjoyable evening.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great theatre with friendly staff, enjoyed the costume lecture on one of the open days.
google.com
Source: google.com
Wonderful productions every time.
google.com
Source: google.com
Never seen a bad play at the Octagon. Superb acting, brilliant set designs and some outstanding directors. The compact design means that you are never far from the action. This has to be the best theatre in the country, probably the world.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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Latest Events

Family Saturdays at the Octagon Theatre
02/08/2025

Families are invited to join the Octagon on selected Saturday mornings for FREE storytelling sessions, where stories are shared in creative ways to spark imaginations! See event