Gareth Redston appointed as Octagon Theatre’s first Creative Engagement and Impact Director

The Octagon Theatre is delighted to announce the appointment of Gareth Redston as its first Creative Engagement and Impact Director. Gareth joins the Octagon’s senior leadership team, taking on a new role that will shape how the theatre connects with and serves Bolton’s diverse communities through creative, educational, and participatory programmes.

Bolton is entering an exciting new chapter with a strategy focused on expanding the borough’s cultural initiatives and reaching more people. As part of this transformation, the Creative Engagement and Impact Director role will lead the Octagon’s work with schools, young people, adults, and collaborative projects with community partners, working alongside Bolton Council to deepen our engagement with community hubs across Bolton.

Working closely with Lotte Wakeham, Artistic Director, who leads the Octagon’s on-stage and producing work, Gareth’s appointment will significantly strengthen the theatre’s leadership team. Together, they will bring a dynamic and collaborative approach to the Octagon’s mission, expanding its potential to engage even more people in the transformative power of theatre and the arts.

Gareth joins the Octagon from Manchester Jewish Museum, where he has been a driving force behind the museum’s transformation and growth since 2015. After beginning his journey there as Head of Programmes, he became Chief Executive in 2022. During his tenure, Gareth played a pivotal role in the museum’s ambitious £6m redevelopment project and led its mission to bring communities together through arts, culture, and dialogue.

In addition to his leadership at the museum, Gareth has chaired the multicultural Cheetham Cultural Festival for many years and has previously worked at the Museum of Science and Industry.

Every year, the Octagon works with over 16,000 individuals, schools, and community groups to make a positive difference, empowering participants through creativity, boosting confidence, and forging lasting connections. Under Gareth’s leadership, this impact will grow, expanding transformative programs like The Agency, which supports young creative entrepreneurs; Sharing Stories, sparking creativity and literacy in children; and Unlocking Wellbeing, improving carers’ health through vital charity partnerships.

Gareth will also introduce exciting new projects, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and driving even greater change at the Octagon and across the community.

The Octagon is dedicated to deepening its connection with the community, fostering a spirit of inclusion where creativity becomes a part of everyday life, and reaching new audiences to discover the power of live theatre. By inspiring and enriching lives through the arts, this work not only strengthens the theatre’s role as a cultural cornerstone for Bolton but also helps to create a sense of belonging and shared understanding that extends far beyond the stage.

Roddy Gauld, Chief Executive, and Lotte Wakeham, Artistic Director, of the Octagon Theatre said in a joint statement: "We are so excited to be working with Gareth. From an incredible field of candidates, Gareth’s leadership and collaboration really stood out. He brings a thoughtful and experienced approach to engaging communities in arts and culture. We want the Octagon to listen and work even more closely with Bolton’s communities and partners, and for our engagement work to be central to our future as a thriving theatre. With Gareth joining us, we know that this work will go from strength to strength."

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub said: "We’d like to congratulate the Octagon Theatre on Gareth’s appointment, which we’re sure will further strengthen the cultural strategy and leadership in Bolton.

Bolton has been building a fantastic culture status, with the recent Town of Culture award and exciting events calendar, which the Octagon Theatre has been a key part of. Gareth will be joining the team at an exciting time for Bolton, working with the wider cultural and creative communities across the borough, and we look forward to collaborating with him on many exciting projects to advance the town’s culture and leisure offer.

Speaking about his appointment, Gareth Redston said - "I'm absolutely delighted to be joining the Octagon team at a really exciting time. Bolton is an amazing place, the people are fantastic, and there's already lots of exciting stuff going on here that I can't wait to build on. Organisations like the Octagon play a vital part in making our communities happier, healthier and more connected and that work feels more important now than ever before. I can't wait to get started!"