News & Blog

Peter Kay & Maxine Peake Return to Octagon

3 Oct 2012

Two of Bolton’s most well-known personalities have been lending their talents to the Octagon Theatre recently. Peter Kay and Maxine Peake have both been involved with the Octagon’s latest production, the world premiere of Bill Naughton’s play Lighthearted Intercourse  (4 Oct – 3 Nov 2012).

Peter Kay and Maxine Peake both play off-stage roles. Maxine plays Clara (the ‘Knocker Up’) and Peter plays Albert (a ‘muckmiser’ who works at the Corporation’s Sewage Yard). Clara is trying to persuade a reluctant Albert to get out of bed! Both Maxine and Peter visited the Theatre during rehearsals to pre-record their lines.

Artistic Director David Thacker commented: “It’s a real pleasure for us to have Maxine and Peter back here at the Octagon, both have a history at the Theatre – Maxine’s first professional production was at the Octagon and Peter worked in the Box Office - so it’s great that they wanted to return for this project. Their contribution also adds to the sense of celebration around the play. As a huge admirer of Naughton’s work, bringing Lighthearted Intercourse to the stage in the Bill Naughton’s home town is a real privilege for me, and to have two famous Boltonians supporting the play is particularly significant for this World Premiere production.”  

Lighthearted Intercourse is a tender, funny and intimate portrayal of a young couple living in 1920s Bolton adjusting to married life and discussing their fears, anxieties and conflicting needs with typical Northern humour.

Lighthearted Intercourse is at the Octagon from Thursday 4 October – Saturday 3 November 2012. Tickets are £23.50 - £9.50 on 01204 520661, or at www.octagonbolton.co.uk