It's been an eventful few months!

2020 was set to be the biggest year in the Octagon's history. We were on the brink of opening a beautiful new theatre for all the community to share, having just announced a new season of world class productions. Instead, with no warning or safety net, Covid-19 means we had no choice but to delay the planned re-opening, and we are instead facing a significant financial shortfall.

The Octagon has been part of Bolton’s rich cultural history for over 50 years. We are a creative home for the people of Bolton, and are passionate about supporting our community, improving health and well being and providing positive, uplifting experiences. We have given first starts and opportunities to young actors and artists from Bolton and beyond, including many who’ve gone on to have hugely successful careers. Theatre and the arts contribute £5.4 billion a year to the UK economy, and the Octagon contributes £6 million to the local economy. We believe our community will need us in the recovery from Covid-19 more than ever before, and we really want to be there for you. But right now, we need your help.

We are determined that we WILL be back! Bigger, bolder and braver than ever before. 

However, with no date of when social distancing restrictions will be lifted, or when theatres will be able to re-open, we have had to take the difficult decision to postpone previously announced productions leaving us in a continuing fight for survival.

Not only have we lost over half a million pounds in expected income, social distancing creates financial gaps as well as physical ones. As a registered charity we are 100% not for profit, every pound we receive through fundraising and ticket sales goes straight back into making the shows you love and working with our community. We typically need at least 75% of seats sold for a show to be financially viable. Social distancing will reduce our capacity to just 25%, dramatically reducing our ability to earn the income needed to keep on going when we are able to re-open.

Please continue supporting to ensure our future

Whilst we are delighted to have made it this far thanks to your support, we are continuing to fight for the Octagon's future in these very difficult times.

Please keep supporting your local theatre by donating or becoming an Octagon Member or Patron. We have added a new reward, so you can join via our Crowdfunder page today.

Members will enjoy fantastic rewards and priority booking, as well as ensuring the future of this incredible theatre we all love. 

If all of our loyal audiences, and everybody that believes in what we do joined us today, together we could all be part of a strong and adventurous future of Theatre Made In Bolton.

Thank you.