A WORLD first, a European premiere and some classic novels brought to life all feature in the exciting spring and summer programme at Bolton Octagon in 2023.

The new season line-up which was revealed this week will begin with the Northern comedy Ladies’ Day as four friends head off to a day at the races with hilarious and heartwarming consequences. The production runs from Wednesday, March 8 to Saturday, April 1.

Next up, Original Theatre present a riotous retelling of HG Wells’ world famous novel The Time Machine, being brought to the stage by the same team behind the Octagon’s 2021 smash hit comedy The Hound of The Baskervilles.

The Bolton News: The TIme Machine

This fast-paced and wise cracking adaptation is a brilliant new take on the classic science fiction novella. It runs from Wednesday, April 12 to Saturday, April 22.

A Regency comedy, Quality Street, is to be revived at the Octagon at the end of April presented by Northern Broadsides and the New Vic Theatre. School mistress Phoebe Throssel must adopt a flirtatious alter-ego to win back her old flame who returns from fighting Napoleon. But only time will tell if she can juggle both personas without causing a scandal in this wonderful farce.

The Bolton News: The Book of Will

The season also includes the European premiere production of Lauren Gunderson’s award-winning play The Book of Will (Wednesday, May 17 to Saturday, June 3) in a brand new co-production with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and the recently opened Shakespeare North Playhouse.

This fast-paced, funny and hilarious play follows Shakespeare’s acting troupe, The King’s Men, as they band together in a race against time to gather the Bard’s scattered masterpieces and save his words before they are lost to history forever. This production will be directed by the Octagon’s artistic director Lotte Wakeham.

For summer it’s time for a little more time travel - back to the 1940s to be precise with the musical play written by Alan Plater, The Blonde Bombshells of 1943. It follows an all-girl swing band who have a chance to hit the big time but need to recruit new musicians - and fast.

The Bolton News: Blonde Bombshells of 1943

The production features many of the classic big band sounds performed live. It runs from Friday, June 9 to Saturday, July 1.

A Christmas Carol may be bringing festive cheer to Octagon audiences at the moment but the theatre is also looking ahead to its 2023 production - Around the World in 80s Days.

The Bolton News: World premiere of Around The World in 80 Days for Christmas 2023

Written by Kate Ferguson and Susannah Pearse who were responsible for Octagon festive titles Treasure Island and A Christmas Carol, Jules Verne’s classic tale will be brought to life. It will run from Thursday, November 16 to Saturday, January 13, 2024.

The new season doesn’t just stop at theatre productions.

The Octagon Comedy Club will return to the studio on the last Friday of every month.

And there will be some special one-night performances celebrating some of the great names in music.

Something About George on Sunday, February 26, is the story of George Harrison and Judy and Liza on Monday, March 20 which looks at the relationship between Judy Garland and her daughter Liza Minnelli.

There are three great tribute shows - the Beach Boys Tribute Show, Simon and Garfunkel Through The Years and Don’t Stop Me Now, a tribute to Queen.

And former Test Match Special commentator Henry Blofeld will bring his one-man show - My Dear Old Things - to the Octagon on Monday, March 13.

There will also be performances in the studio and productions aimed at a younger audience.

The Octagon’s Artistic Director, Lotte Wakeham, said: “After such an unforgettable and hugely successful autumn/winter season, I am absolutely thrilled with our spring/summer season, which offers a wonderfully varied and full programme with something for all audiences to enjoy.

“I am particularly excited to be directing the European and UK premiere of The Book of Will, having been a huge fan of playwright Lauren Gunderson’s work for many years.

“The play has been performed countless times in the USA, and I’m thrilled that audiences in Bolton will be amongst the first in the whole of Europe to see this special production.

“I’m delighted by the range of shows and events we’re presenting this season, from celebrating some of our greatest musicians to period drama and knock about farces - there really is something for everyone.

“I cannot wait to bring this season of world class theatre to our audiences in Bolton and beyond. 2023 promises to be a bumper year.”

Season Saver package are now available with individual tickets going on sale from Monday, December 5. For details visit www.octagonbolton.co.uk.