We are thrilled to reveal our latest line-up set to entertain audiences this autumn/winter, with a sensational programme of bold, adventurous and popular theatre.

A timeless comedy by Noël Coward, a chilling comedy-thriller by Alan Ayckbourn, a Dickensian festive classic, William Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, a legendary comedy from Le Navet Bete, and a hilarious new John Godber comedy make up this jam-packed programme, alongside the Awaaz Festival and Family Festival.

The season opens with Noël Coward’s timeless comedy, PRIVATE LIVES (Thu 4 – Sat 27 September 2025), in a co-production with Mercury Theatre & Rose Theatre, in association with Northern Stage and supported by a grant from the Royal Theatrical Support Trust (RTST), directed by 2024 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award-Winner, Tanuja Amarasuriya. Set against the backdrop of 1930s glamour, this comedy of manners promises a hilarious and shocking adaptation filled with razor-sharp wit, sizzling chemistry and timeless sophistication.

This is followed by a gripping production of Alan Ayckbourn’s masterful dark comedy, SNAKE IN THE GRASS (Thu 9 – Sat 25 October 2025) in a co-production with Theatr Clwyd and directed by Francesca Goodridge. Family secrets and buried truths resurface between sisters Anabel and Miriam following the death of their father in this darkly comic thriller that explores toxic secrets we keep.

This Christmas season audiences can enjoy a joyful musical stage adaptation of the favourite Dickensian classic, A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Thu 13 November 2025 – Sat 10 January 2026). Join old miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a festive adventure through yuletides past, present and future in this heart-warming and uplifting tale of redemption. This musical is adapted for the stage by Kate Ferguson and Susannah Pearce (writers of previous Octagon productions Around the World in 80 Days and Treasure Island) and directed by Sarah Tipple, based on the classic novel by Charles Dickens.

In 2026 we will stage a powerful and chilling new production of William Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, MACBETH (Wed 4 – Sat 28 March 2026) in a co-production with Derby Theatre and Hull Truck Theatre and directed by Hull Truck Artistic Director Mark Babych. In a country ravaged by war and rebellion, three witches bear a fateful prophecy to Macbeth which begin a chain of bloody and brutal events fuelled by his insatiable desire to succeed and sees him set out to become King, by any means necessary. The murderous course to seize the crown consumes him in a great darkness with violence and tyranny and lays bare the human cost of unchecked ambition.

Other theatre highlights throughout the season include:

Le Navet Bete (writers of Dracula: The Bloody Truth) present a hilarious re-telling of the Arthurian legend in the laugh-out-loud show KING ARTHUR (Tue 30 September – Sat 4 October 2025). The John Godber Company return to the Octagon with another brand-new comedy, BLACK TIE BALL (Wed 29 October – Sat 1 November 2025). Told in Godber’s signature visceral style, this hilarious comedy recounts the glitziest night of the year as hotel staff recount the glamorous event at breakneck speed from arrival at seven to carriages at midnight.

There is also a fantastic selection of music, comedy and entertainment throughout the season.

Enjoy a script-in-hand reading of brand-new comedy EGGING (Fri 9 May 2025), a work-in-progress new play by Adam Kotwal and supported by the Octagon Theatre, presented as part of MACFest 2025 celebrations.

We will present our first ever AWAAZ FESTIVAL (Sun 29 June 2025), showcasing and celebrating the finest South Asian arts and culture which will include Bollywood dancing, community performances, readings, workshops and traditional instrument lessons. Full programme to be announced shortly.

Comedy fans won’t want to miss the funniest night in Bolton with the return of OCTAGON COMEDY CLUB (Sun 18 May 2025), now even bigger than before, moving to the main house auditorium and featuring top stand-up comedians. Su Pollard celebrates 50 years in showbiz with her one-woman variety show STILL FULLY CHARGED (Sun 28 September 2025), and Mark Simmons comes to the Octagon as part of his 2026 tour JEST TO IMPRESS (Sun 1 March 2026) in a show packed with expertly crafted one-liners and trademark off-the-cuff jokes based on audience suggestions.

Music lovers have a double-whammy to choose from with celebrations of Motown and Diana Ross across the season. Relive all the greatest hits of Motown in A NIGHT TO REMEMBER MOTOWN SHOW (Sat 19 July 2025), then REFLECTIONS – THE MUSICAL LEGACY OF DIANA ROSS (Fri 27 February 2026) takes audiences on a journey through some of the timeless classics and favourites of The Supremes and solo career of this legendary singer, starring world renowned and award-winning singer Tameka Jackson as Diana Ross.

Other unmissable entertainment includes a night of mind-blowing illusions when James Phelan presents THE MAN WHO WAS MAGIC (Sun 26 October 2025). Dare to believe in magic in this high energy show filled with mystery, laughter and surprises. Join snooker legends Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor as they relive their epic 1985 final in BLACK BALL 40^TH ANNIVERSARY (Sun 2 November 2025). Hosted by John Virgo with his famous snooker impressions and a Q&A, it promises a must-see night of nostalgia.

There is plenty in store for families at the Octagon this season. The hugely popular, sell-out FAMILY SATURDAYS (see Octagon website for all dates) sessions return on select Saturdays. These FREE storytelling sessions include interactive storytelling followed by arts, crafts and creative activities to help spark creativity and imaginations for ages 4+ and families. The Octagon’s annual FAMILY FESTIVAL will also make a welcome return this summer, save the date now (Sat 23 – Mon 25 August 2025) for this free, three-day jam-packed event, filled with arts & crafts, storytelling, dancing, workshops and more for families of all ages. Full details will be announced shortly. The comedy gameshow WIFI WARS (Sat 4 October 2025) returns for even more interactive fun, where audiences compete in a range of games, puzzles and quizzes to win the show and prizes.

Following the huge success of last year’s festive studio show Rudolph the Reindeer’s Red Nose Roadshow, the Octagon and The Big Tiny will present a yuletide treat for children aged 3-7 with the magical interactive adventure MRS CLAUS SAVES CHRISTMAS (Wed 10 – Wed 24 December 2025) - where children join the action to help save Christmas.

Before all that, our current spring season will close with a sensational UK premiere production of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story, in a vibrant new adaptation of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (Thu 5 – Sat 28 June 2025) adapted by award-winning playwright Kate Hamill and directed by the Octagon’s Artistic Director, Lotte Wakeham. This witty stage adaptation brings to life the classic story of love, misunderstandings, and second chances where audiences will be swept up in the bygone era of high society, Regency Balls and courtship.

Octagon Artistic Director, Lotte Wakeham commented: “I am delighted to share details of our new season with audiences, and hope they are as excited as we are by this upcoming programme. The Octagon has always been a home for incredible emerging talent, and I’m thrilled that we’re kicking off the autumn season with a brand new production of Private Lives, directed by Tanuja Amarasuriya, winner of the prestigious Sir Peter Hall Award, supported by the Royal Theatrical Support Trust. We then have a stellar selection of productions from some of the world’s most iconic playwrights, including Alan Ayckbourn and William Shakespeare. I’m also thrilled to be celebrating the next generation of fantastic writers, with work by Kate Hamill, Susannah Pearse and Kate Ferguson.

"Alongside some familiar classics, we love to tell new stories here at the Octagon, so I’m very excited for Bolton audiences to be the very first to experience the latest draft of brand new play Egging, by brilliant local writer Adam Kotwal, as part of our MACFest celebrations. We will also present our very first AWAAZ Festival, which will be a wonderful showcase of South Asian arts and culture, as well as our Family Festival.

"In addition, over the next few months we’ll have a wide selection of entertainment from some of the best touring productions from across the country, including live music, comedy, variety and family fun. We can’t wait for you to join us.”

The best way to see shows is with the Octagon’s Season Saver packages – with audiences getting the best seats at the best prices, saving up to 20% off tickets. Tickets for the new season go on general salefrom 11am onTuesday 15 April.

Become an Octagon Member and get exclusive priority booking access as well as bigger savings on Season Saver packages and other discounts. Priority booking for Members opens at 11am on Saturday 12 April.