Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: theatre (22) show (11) production (10) great (9) good (8) staff (8) cast (8) friendly (8) helpful (7) Octagon (6)
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  • 5/5 Julie N. 10 months ago on Google
    This is a lovely intimate entertaining space. I particularly liked the steep angle of the seating as it meant you had a clear view of the performance area from every seat, no twisting around to see between the people infront of you. The acoustics were great too. It was so refreshing to hear voices and guitars without being overpowered by over amped sound systems. I'd definitely be interested in coming to another performance especially if its as good as the Book Ends doing the Simon and Garfunkel through the years tour.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark H. 11 months ago on Google
    My first visit to the Bolton Octagon Theatre and I will be back! It's an intimate and comfortable space and the staff are helpful and polite. I was here to see "Blonde Bombshells of 1943," a dramatically slight musical drama that worked best as an exercise in nostalgia. It was elevated by the wonderful performances of a talented ensemble cast. My afternoon went with a swing!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Barbara D. 11 months ago on Google
    Had a meal before the show. Very relaxing with lovely, friendly staff. I had the Hunters chicken which was very good. My husband had the fish but was disappointed as part of it was rubbery. However the waitress apologized and knocked off the price of the coffee. The show, blonde bombshells was fantastic. Humorous with good music
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Malcolm A. 1 year ago on Google
    Watched, "The book of Will". As usual this little theatre punches way above it's weight! You are always close to the action in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Cannot recommend this venue highly enough...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Darren C. 2 years ago on Google
    Friendly and helpful staff. The theatre feels much more modern after the renovations. Can’t wait to go again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Neil S. 1 year ago on Google
    Always a lovely experience in this gorgeous, intimate theatre. A thoroughly enjoyable interpretation of a Christmas Carol made fun and engaging by the multi-talented cast. Some care needed with the acoustics, using mics is great when it's performed in the round but the instruments can drown out the vocal at times..

  • 5/5 Bernard S. 1 year ago on Google
    A lovely in the round theatre and terrific production of A Christmas Carol. Helpful and friendly volunteers on hand to guide you around and answer any questions you may have. Nicely stocked bar - good idea to pre-order drinks for the interval

  • 5/5 Louise G. 1 year ago on Google
    Inside is lovely and welcoming. Staff are friendly and helpful. The only downside, I think, is that the bar gets very overcrowded, building long queues. On production evening, it would be helpful if the bars on all levels were open to allow everybody a chance to get a drink

  • 5/5 Andy L. 1 year ago on Google
    A fabulous theatre to go and see productions, pretty much all the seats give a full view, won't spoil the performance in any way. With enough bars for pre drinks and able to pre order at half time and reasonably priced. Ladies have a bit if a queue for the bathroom at peak times, gents OK. Now with a restaurant on the ground floor, have yet to try for the food.

  • 5/5 lee l. 1 year ago on Google
    The bar and kitchen are nice enough without the theatre. The theatre didn't have a bad seat. My absolute favourite. Just watched spring and port wine there. My first straight play, and what a gorgeous intimate theatre.

  • 5/5 Peter D. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent, theatre and some Great shows. No matter where you sit in this theatre, you get a great view and an immersive experience.

  • 5/5 Nick L. 1 year ago on Google
    Just back from Spring and Port Wine was simply brilliant, fantastic show and amazing cast. First timers at Xmas for A Christmas Carol and booked up already for Ladies Day! Never experienced theatre like this you feel totally immersed in every performance. Thank you for a wonderful night again!

  • 5/5 lee b. 5 months ago on Google
    Really enjoyed the show. 80 days around the world. It's not your standard theatre set up as the stage is in the centre, surrounded by seating. There were very few props. It's not like you would find on a normal theatre stage but the cast did an amazing job of immersing the crowd into a great show! All the staff were very helpful and the 2 cafe/restaurant bars were of a high standard too. Highly recommended 👌

  • 5/5 Jane F. 7 months ago on Google
    Fantastic! Watched the Jeeves and Wooster production and it was simply brilliant. Laugh out loud funny. The set was amazing, superb acting especially as there were only 3 actors!

  • 5/5 Carol H. 5 months ago on Google
    Theatre in the round. Innovative and clever use of space and props. Uniquely close to the stage. Uninterrupted views wherever you sit. Around the world in 80 days was a witty and highly entertaining show by very talented singers and actors. Enthralling and funny. All the staff in the theatre are extremely friendly and in the modern cafe bar. I look forward to visiting again.

  • 5/5 Lyndsey K. 5 months ago on Google
    Fantastic Theatre.Staff and volunteers so friendly and helpful. Watched around the world in 80 days. Wow wow wow such an amazing production. The cast were phenomenal so talented best show I've watched. Really enjoyed it.

  • 5/5 Ukulele P. 6 months ago on Google
    Attended the comedy night for the first time last weekend. The venue itself is very charming. The fine people working there created a warm and inviting atmosphere. All the acts were outstanding. 5 stars. 10 on 10. We'll be back.

  • 5/5 Bob E. 4 months ago on Google
    Great small theatre in the round. We saw Round the World in 80 days with our granddaughter age 10. Great show and very good value.

  • 3/5 Rebecca B. 2 years ago on Google
    Always loved the Octagon. Decided to go and watch Kes and also see what the new refurbishment is like. It does look more modern and has a better foyer but surprised by the theatre area itself-it is smaller than before and no longer has seating all the way around?! So it's no longer really an "octagon" and doesn't really have that unique feeling any more. (I'm hoping that this was perhaps just the way this particular play was staged and maybe the other seating was hidden behind the set?) As to the play itself, while the acting was excellent, it was very short at just an hour and confusing in places, especially as it wasn't obvious at first when an actor had changed over to be a different character (multiple times). I don't understand why they didn't hire more actors to play the other adult parts and give them a chance to shine. The set was static and bland and the whole presentation was very unimaginative.. especially in regards to the woman representing the bird. She didn't interact much at all with the other actors and there was nothing birdlike about her, besides her voice, which slightly made up for it as it was beautiful. It all came across as very stripped back and trying too hard to be clever, at the expense of generating an emotional connection in the viewer. I will return but all in all came away disappointed.

  • 5/5 Mic D. 1 year ago on Google
    First time visit - really good experience. Parking immediately adjacent, reasonably priced food in the cafe before, good sized bar, friendly staff. Will visit again. The show I watched was 'brief encounter' which so well done, and made the most the stage format.

  • 5/5 Pat T. 1 year ago on Google
    Watched Buddy Holly and the Cricketers. Absolutely brilliant. Audience were mostly senior citizens but we were all up dancing and singing. A fabulous night. I left buzzing. 😁😁

  • 4/5 Paula F. 1 year ago on Google
    Great little theatre! Staff very efficient and friendly. Quick service at the bar too. Just wish they'd sort out or even finish, the endless roadworks in Bolton Town centre!!

  • 5/5 David O. 1 year ago on Google
    Went to see One Man, Two Governors here, it was very funny I think you can now catch the production at the Liverpool playhouse. It was our first visit since the theatre was refurbished, it looks great. Be sure to visit the nearby Olympus fish bar, good food with piano accompanient!

  • 5/5 John D. 1 year ago on Google
    Friendly, helpful staff. Every production has been of the highest standards. Also, it's definitely worth having a pre-theatre meal in the restaurant. You won't be disappointed.

  • 5/5 Patricia F. 1 year ago on Google
    Brilliant night watching The Book Thief - fantastic in every respect - production, cast, performances, food and drinks. The Octagon is a fantastic venue, very comfortable and you're so close to the action. Parking right next door too. Overall a totally brilliant experience.

  • 5/5 Jackie K. 1 year ago on Google
    Just seen 'One Man Two Guvnors' there this afternoon - fabulous production! Slick, fast-paced, great timing, very playful, very funny, excellent music and band with toe-tapping, shoulder-pumping numbers... incredible talent and joy all round! Front of house very welcoming. New refurb is looking great, with 2 cafes now. Congrats to all!! Loved it and fully recommend! :)

  • 5/5 Foxy D. 1 year ago on Google
    What a wonderful 8 sided little theatre jammed full of electronics. I am rather deaf but the acoustics are perfect. And this musical version of the Book Thief was spectacular. What a talented cast!!

  • 5/5 Susan W. 2 years ago on Google
    Just seen the Christmas production of Peter Pan. It was excellent, entertaining for all the family from 5 to 12 to 70. Bravo to the actors for some great performances & to the Octagon for upgrading our seats 🤩👏

  • 5/5 Stephen T. 2 years ago on Google
    Watched kes on Saturday.only 3 actors in it ,one a female singer who has an amazing voice and the 2 guys acting were brill too.the staff at the octagon are very welcoming and pleasant with a smile on their faces.loved it

  • 4/5 Vee S. 2 years ago on Google
    I've always loved the Octagon as a small but passionate little theatre and have enjoyed visiting for many years. The production and cast of "An Adventure" was brilliant, it was an interesting, educational and enjoyable comedic love story. Such a shame that the theatre was almost empty ... Perhaps the bar prices put people off, ie a glass of sauvignon and a non alcoholic beer £11.80 😱 ! No wonder we don't go as often as we used to. Come on guys, those prices are more conducive to a fancy wine bar or 5* hotel. But then I know you need all the income you can get 🤗

  • 5/5 Monica L. 2 years ago on Google
    Well it was the cafe I attended! The service was great, food was delicious, baby changing services ideally should be available on the same floor though, but there is stairs or lift available.would definitely use again!!

  • 5/5 Gill E. 2 years ago on Google
    Great to see a show at Bolton Octagon. We were well looked after and enjoyed the show and cafe. Thankyou!

  • 5/5 nafisa i. 2 years ago on Google
    What is there not to love about a theatre my town. Been coming here over 20 years. Love the small round seating area. The stage close. Makes the whole experience personal and intimate. Here's to another 50 years!

  • 5/5 Madeline M. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a delicious lunch before the matinée. The food exceptional and created the start of a very pleasant afternoon. Staff were also excellent and nothing too much trouble and masked up to keep patrons safe and healthy.


Call +44 1204 520661 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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