The Octagon Theatre, an important part of the cultural scene in Bolton, is to undergo a revamp thanks to a cash boost of more than £380,000, which will see a number of new features as well as old fixtures being replaced and upgraded.
The grant has been given by the Arts Council England, a total of £834,799, the full amount that was applied for by the theatre. It's a major boost, not just for the Octogan, but for all it's users and the local area, which will benefit hugely in tough economic times.
Original equipment that was installed in the theatre when it was opened 45 years ago will be replaced, including the auditorium grid (from which hangs the lights, speakers and effects) which no longer meets modern standards. The cafe and bar will also see improvements made in order to draw more people in to what is a great venue.
The Octagon is even going green, replacing wires and electrical sources so that they are more efficient and environmentally-friendly, as well as using new eco lights, which will be installed in the auditorium and front of house areas to reduce energy consumption.
The work to the Octagon will take place during the theatre's regular summer closure, covering the months of June to September, with no disruption to the normal excellent programming.
