Here at the Octagon, we are making attending the theatre even more accessible for even more people, as we launch a new ticket scheme.

Ensuring inclusion and accessibility is at the core of our programme, this latest scheme will remove ticket price as a barrier for people attending the theatre.

Hundreds of £4 tickets will be unlocked every year made available for Bolton residents on Universal Credit or Pension Credit or living in low-income households.

Working with partners including Bolton at Home, MSV Housing and Bolton Lads & Girls Club, this scheme aims to ensure price is not a barrier to an amazing experience at the theatre. From April onwards any Bolton resident on Universal Credit or Pension Credit or referred by one of our ticket access partners will be able to access £4 tickets across all Octagon produced shows.

Bolton is currently ranked the 34th most deprived local authority in the country. For example, 37% of young people in Bolton are living in poverty.

This scheme will unlock over 1,000 £4 tickets every year, with members of the scheme able to access tickets to see shows such as the smash hit musical Little Shop of Horrors and the comedy retelling of Dracula – The Bloody Truth. This announcement comes as Bolton is named Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture and the Octagon was recently named as Manchester’s Leading Arts and Culture Venue at the This Is Manchester Awards.

The £4 offer is in addition to thousands of £15 tickets available throughout the year including front row seats, meaning the Octagon has some of the lowest theatre prices in the UK. A study reported in The Stage last year found the average cheapest ticket in regional theatre was over £21.

Octagon Chief Executive, Roddy Gauld commented: “Our audiences tell us what fantastic value for money the Octagon is, but we know that for some people, the price can still be a barrier and especially during the cost-of-living crisis. We are proud to offer some of the most affordable theatre tickets in the country, for award-winning productions, up close in our intimate auditorium. With this new scheme, fantastic seats will be available from just £4. We want as many people as possible to enjoy the magic of live theatre and this is just one of the many ways we’re working to enrich our communities with fun, creativity and excitement.”

Comments from Bolton at Home residents who have already benefited from the scheme:

“Going to the theatre would have been a rare treat for me without this scheme. I have been so lucky to have been part of this and would never have seen some outstanding performances.”Bernadette

“Being able to go to watch a play at the Octagon, under the Bolton at Home scheme, had such a positive impact on me. For various reasons, not least financial constraints, I had become increasingly isolated. This scheme enabled me to socialise with the wider world in a supportive environment. I was reminded how much I loved literature and the performing arts, and this opportunity helped in my decision to seek further education in that field.”Amina

“As a Bolton at Home resident, I value & appreciate the discounted Octagon theatre tickets. I can now visit the Octagon regularly which is very important to me as a theatre lover. The discounted tickets provide opportunities for the older residents on my estate to access the theatre when they wouldn’t normally be able to afford tickets.”Diane

As well as this scheme we also offer over 10% of tickets for Octagon shows at £15 including seats on the front row – with over 7,000 tickets at £15 being purchased last financial year.