Visitors to Bolton can be assured of a warm welcome and now the Lancashire hospitality the town is known for is set to be recognised nationally. The Octagon Theatre , often described as Bolton's 'jewel in the crown' has been shortlisted in the prestigious UK Theatre Awards in the category of the 'UK's Most Welcoming Theatre'. The annual awards celebrate outstanding achievements in theatre across the UK.
The Bolton venue is one of just three venues, chosen from across the country, to be nominated in the coveted UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre category – with previous winners including Nottingham Playhouse, Leeds Playhouse and Storyhouse Chester. The Octagon (Image: NQ Staff) Other nominees in this category for 2024 include: Hall for Cornwall and Polka Theatre The winner will be selected at the UK Theatre Awards ceremony which takes place in London later this year, on Sunday 20 October. The Octagon has gone from strength to strength since re-opening following their re-development, after scooping the Leading Arts & Culture Venue of the Year Award at last year’s This is MCR Awards , as well as winning the Best Customer Service Award at the 2022 Bolton Business Awards.
It was also shortlisted for the acclaimed Theatre of the Year Award at 2023’s The Stage Awards, where their longest serving employee, James Whaite , picked up an Unsung Hero Award, which recognises individuals or teams who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their work in the performing arts industry..