We are thrilled to reveal our latest line-up set to entertain audiences next spring/summer, with an exhilarating programme of bold, adventurous and popular theatre.

A UK premiere, two acclaimed revivals, a literary classic, a comedy-caper adaptation of an iconic thriller, a gothic classic, a new John Godber comedy and a Dickensian festive classic make up this jam-packed programme.

The season opens with the return of our 2024 acclaimed production of ANIMAL FARMdirected by Iqbal Khan (Wed 22 January – Sat 1 February). Orwell’s enduring and devastating satire about the animal rebellion on Manor Farm returns to the Octagon for a limited run due to phenomenal demand, before embarking on a UK tour.

Then, in the second revival of the season, Mina Anwar reprises the title role in Willy Russell’s heart-warming comedy SHIRLEY VALENTINE(Fri 7 February – Sat 8 March 2025), following her critically acclaimed, sell-out performance in our 2020 production. Octagon Artistic Director Lotte Wakeham directs this beloved Northern comedy, that sees bored, stuck-in-a-rut housewife Shirley leave her hometown, husband and old life behind as she rediscovers herself on a holiday to Greece. The show opens at the Octagon before going on a Lancashire tour.

We then present a compelling new production of John Steinbeck’sOF MICE AND MEN(Wed 26 March – Sat 12 April 2025). Sarah Brigham directs this classic tale of friendship and hope about two drifters, Lennie and George during the Great Depression who dream of living the great American dream. That dream comes crashing down and their friendship is put to the ultimate test as the play explores its themes of friendship, migration and prejudice in this must-see co-production with Derby Theatre, Hull Truck Theatre and Theatre by the Lake.

Next up is a brilliantly bonkers and hilarious adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic thriller, THE 39 STEPS (Wed 16 April – Sat 10 May) in a co-production with Wiltshire Creative and Mercury Theatre Colchester. Follow Richard Hannay on a thrilling escapade adventure filled with daring antics, romantic encounters and ghastly murders in a new production of this Olivier and Tony Award-winning comedy.

The season continues with the 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) adapted by award-winning playwright Kate Hamill and directed by Octagon’s Artistic Director, Lotte Wakeham. A co-production with Stephen Joseph Theatre and Theatre by the Lake, this witty stage adaptation brings to life the classic story of love, misunderstandings, and second chances where audiences will be swept up in the era of high society, Regency parties and courtship.

We can also reveal that our festive title for 2025 will be a joyful musical stage adaptation of the favourite Dickensian classic, A CHRISTMAS CAROL(Thu 13 November 2025 – Sat 10 Jan 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 will be a new production of the musical adapted for the stage by Kate Ferguson and Susannah Pearse based on the classic novel by Charles Dickens.

Other theatre highlights throughout the season include:

The John Godber Company present DO I LOVE YOU?(Tue 11 – Sat 15 March) a brand-new comedy about Northern Soul, bringing the legendary music genre to a whole new generation. Then Blackeyed Theatre in association with Harrogate Theatre and South Hill Park Arts Centre bring their powerful stage adaptation of Bram Stokers gothic classic DRACULA(Wed 21 – Sat 24 May) blending Victorian Gothic with the Contemporary for a masterful theatrical experience. Le Navet Bete (writers of The Time Machine: A Comedy and Dracula: The Bloody Truth) present a hilarious re-telling of the Arthurian legend in the laugh-out-loud show KING ARTHUR(Tue 30 Sep – Sat 4 Oct).

There is also a fantastic selection of music, comedy and family entertainment for 2025.

Comedy fans won’t want to miss HOLDON TO YOUR BUTTS (Tue 18 & Wed 19 March) the must-see parody show of the greatest dinosaur film of all time, or the comedy-musical hammer horror homage in FRANKENSTEIN ON A BUDGET(Wed 14 May) or the hilarious improvised murder-mystery inspired by audience suggestions in MURDER, SHE DIDN’T WRITE(Thu 15 May). Local comedy legend JUSTIN MOORHOUSE(Sun 25 May) also returns to the Octagon for a raucous night of stand-up with his latest show.

Music lovers can enjoy celebrations to some of music’s greatest icons with an unmissable selection of shows across season. Relive all the greatest hits of Motown in A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: A MOTOWN SHOW(Sun 16 February); THE KING’S VOICE(Fri 21 & Sat 22 March) celebrates the king of rock ‘n’ roll Elvis Presley and transports audiences through time from the ’68 special through to the Vegas era and features all his biggest hits. ALL OR NOTHING(Fri 16 & Sat 17 May) brings the music of the iconic mod band Small Faces in this special concert following sell-out tours and a West End-run. Don’t miss the powerhouse vocals, precision harmonies and tight musicianship from THE UPBEAT BEATLES (Fri 4 & Sat 5 July) jam-packed with all the biggest hits from iconic Liverpool band.

We have plenty for families at the Octagon this season. Our hugely popular, sell-out FAMILY SATURDAYS(see Octagon website for all dates) sessions return on select Saturdays twice a month. 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 comedy gameshow WIFI WARS(Sat 15 March) returns for even more interactive fun, where audiences compete in a range of games, puzzles and quizzes to win the show and prizes.

Octagon Artistic Director, Lotte Wakeham commented:“Our new season really has something on offer for everyone to enjoy. We know Octagon audiences love adaptations of novels and classic films, so we are thrilled to have an array of unmissable productions, including stories from some of literature’s most beloved authors. I’m particularly excited to be directing the UK premiere of award-winning playwright Kate Hamill’s brilliant adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

“Two of our sell-out productions from recent years – Animal Farm and Shirley Valentine - are also making a welcome return to our stage, and I am delighted that our audiences get to see them first, before they embark on tours across the UK.

“We have also got some of the biggest touring shows from across the country coming to Bolton from hilarious comedy to powerful drama to sensational music tributes.

“We pride ourselves on offering our audiences unrivalled theatrical experiences and I’m confident that we have a real variety of top quality entertainment for everyone to enjoy this spring and summer.”

The best way to see shows is with our 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 9am onTuesday 12 November.

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 on 9am on Friday 8 November.