Octagon Theatre (Bolton)

• Theatre ID
  2257
• Built / Converted
  1967
• Dates of use
  • 1967: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre
• Address
  Howell Croft South, Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL1 1SB, England
• Website
  • Octagon Theatre Bolton

Details

The Octagon is a modern theatre design based on a hexagonal drum which rises above amply glazed public areas, surmounted by a lattice steel roof covered with grey tiles. A successful producing theatre, it also carries out vital work within the local community, working with schools, and its long-standing activ8 programme reaching thousands of young people each year. The tiered flexible seating with shallow balconies and retractable units allow for theatre in three forms: thrust (305), end on (343) and in-the-round (401). Proximity of the audience and good undisturbed sightlines are major characteristics of the design. The largely glass façe within return walls in brick is uninspiring and contrasts sharply with the street scene. Lottery funding has introduced a lift, office space and hospitality suite including a bar. However the box office remains cramped and the cafén the ground floor also has steps. Adjoining the Octagon is the Bill Naughton Studio Theatre, originally built of wood but now of brick construction. The venue, with an end stage, has a capacity of 100. The 1997 Lottery Grant addressed the question of ownership and usage and although this redressed some of the ludicrously small amount of office space originally provided, the piecemeal approach to development is not to be encouraged. This is an interesting building within which the auditorium remains largely original. It has the advantage of a good car park next door.

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• Events
  • 1967 Use: continuing
  • 1967 Design/Construction:
    • Geoffrey H Brooks (Borough Architect) - Architect
  • 1998 - 0 Alteration: new hospitality suite and office accomodation (architect unknown).
  • Owner/Management: Local Authority
• Capacities
  • Original: 422
  • Current: 401; Main Auditorium, in-the-round
  • Current: 100; Studio
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed