Welcome to the latest news from the Octagon Theatre
It has been a strange few weeks for us here. Last weekend we should have been throwing open our doors and celebrating the £12 million redevelopment with our opening weekend. Due to Covid-19 unfortunately our building was not full of people exploring the fantastic new building, instead it is still not yet ready and we have to wait a little longer before we can welcome you all back to our beloved theatre. Artistic Director Lotte Wakeham reflected on the last few months in a blog 'Not the Summer we were expecting' - read here.
Away from the building we have been busy continuing to take the Octagon Online. Take a look at some of the ways you can get involved.
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Cast announced for One Night In Bolton Monologues |
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This summer we're thrilled to release audio recordings of 10 captivating monologues - the winners of the One Night In Bolton creative writing competition.
The monologues will be performed by a talented group of Bolton and Greater Manchester actors including BAFTA nomintaed actress Ruth Madeley. Read the full cast here. The recordings will be released one a day online on our website and social media from Mon 3 August with a selection broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester.
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Our 4 week festival of online activities is in full swing!
Aged over 50 and fancy trying something new? Take a look at our REACT programme for FREE arts and wellbeing online workshops - read more.
We have also taken our popular drama summer school online this year with Wonderland - A Virtual Adventure. For ages 8-18 this is a great way to stay creative and flex your performing muscles. Read more in this blog from Creative Engagement Manager Imogen.
See the full list of activites coming up here including a musical theatre quiz live on Facebook this evening at 7pm!
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Octagon Theatre Podcast |
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We're excited to announce the launch of the Octagon Theatre Podcast!
Hosted by Artistic Director Lotte Wakeham and Creative Engagement Coordinator Alex Joynes the podcast will give audiences a chance to go behind the scenes & includes guests: actor Amy Nuttall, performer/composer Maimuna Memon, playwright Jim Cartwright and actor Marc Small. First episode available from Fri 31 July - find out more.
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Finally a message from our Chief Executive Roddy Gauld & Artistic Director Lotte Wakeham:
We welcome the news last week that some theatres may be able to open for performances with social distancing in place from 1 August onwards. This is still subject to Government pilots and scientific research, and we’re closely following developments with interest.
It is clear that social distancing will have a profound effect on how we make shows and how the theatre operates. This includes a significant reduction in audience capacity and income. We are reviewing every aspect of our organisation to find a way forward that is artistically exciting, inclusive of our whole community and financially sustainable. This is not easy and we have difficult decisions to make, but we are determined that we WILL be back.
We are doing everything we can to open the Octagon safely and successfully. We cannot wait for the day we can open our doors and let people in! We will announce a new re-opening date in due course.
We are hugely grateful for everyone’s continued support – thank you so much for all your donations and messages to our Future Fund campaign. You can donate here: crowdfunder.co.uk/octagon-
We look forward to welcoming you all to the Octagon again when we can.
Best wishes
Roddy & Lotte
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