THIS weekend Bolton’s own award-winning theatre celebrates its 50th anniversary.

And today people are being offered the chance to play a part in the multi-million pound transformation and modernisation programme for the theatre’s future.

The theatre is launching its public fundraising campaign to help raise £1.5 million to complete the ‘Octagon Reimagine’ development programme.

As part of the massive public appeal, people can buy a brick for the new building or sponsor a seat.

This weekend the theatre is throwing open its doors to the public to show the role the Octagon plays in the life of the town. Extra back-stage tours are free but must be booked in advance.

Theatre bosses say that the building is ‘no longer big enough or modern enough to withstand the next five decades’ and have

secured £3.8 million Arts Council England and thanks to funding from other foundations and supporters, 85 per cent of the £9.87 million needed has been raised so far.

The Octagon, a registered charity, is looking to the public for their support to raise the final £1.5 million to ensure the theatre’ can continue to make world class theatre’.

Chief Executive Roddy Gauld said: “The Octagon is 50 this month. It’s a time of celebration but also of looking to the future, to make sure that generations to come will always be able to visit and access the Octagon and share stories with us,

“We’re thrilled the next phase of Arts Council funding and planning permission have both been approved, they are amazing birthday presents, and now we turn to our community and our audiences to help us, stay on track for the building work to start in May next year.

“When we re-open in 2019, the theatre will be more accessible and more comfortable. Not only will we have fixed all the leaks and broken drains, and other problems that a fifty year old building has, we’ll have more space for our youth and community work and better facilities for the public. The Octagon will be set for the next fifty years.

“As a charity, we absolutely rely on the support of our audiences and the public. We’ve already had pledges from major philanthropic backers and people running marathons to raise money. We are so grateful to them. I hope that the people of Bolton will get behind the Octagon, just as they did 50 years ago when they raised money for the theatre to be built.”

Those wanting to be part of the development can buy a brick, with three types to choose from or take a seat, with two options available —alongside taking part in traditional fundraising events, including a bake sale, jumping out of plane or running a marathon.

The redevelopment work — the biggest of its kind in the theatre’s history — will ensure it is more accessible than ever for audiences, actors and staff so those with mobility impairment and for wheelchair users can go backstage and into dressing rooms without difficulty.

The main auditorium will be air-conditioned, there will be more toilets, a new two floor cafe and bar area as well as a new learning area where seminars and workshops can take place for the community, particularly young people.

Artistic Director at the Octagon Theatre Elizabeth Newman said: “The past 50 years have been full of stories and memories here at the Octagon. This is an exciting new phase in which we are ensuring that the Octagon will be here to help create and share more important dramas in the years to come, both with audiences and with people who want to participate in theatre.

“It’s incredibly important to all of us that the Octagon is welcoming, comfortable and accessible. The funding from Arts Council England will help to guarantee that our theatre is a theatre for all.

“While the theatre is being redeveloped, the Octagon as an organisation will still be producing work for audiences and we hope that you will join us on the adventure. During 2018-19, we will be on the road, creating work in exciting spaces all across the town. We have lots of ideas and plans, and it all begins with Summer Holiday and Gulliver’s Travels in 2018. We want to provide audiences with an incredible experience and to encourage them to come along with us on this amazing journey in the Octagon’s history, to try new things, and to support us as they have done for the past 50 years.”

The theatre was built in 1967 and is described as being heart of the Bolton community.

Deputy leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Linda Thomas said: “The Octagon is a key part of the Bolton family. The redevelopment work will ensure its future and help to keep it a major heritage destination for our town.

“The theatre is an important part of our cultural offer and masterplan for the town centre.

“It will be exciting to see the redevelopment plans taking shape, heralding a new era for both the theatre and our town.”

The project team includes award-winning architects Feilden Clegg Bradley and JM Architects, contractors Willmott Dixon, project managers Gardiner and Theobald, and theatre consultants Charcoal Blue. The award-winning Waterman Group are the mechanical and electrical engineers, and Renaissance are providing the structural engineering.

Ian Tabbron, Senior Relationship Manager, Arts Council England said: “Arts Council England is pleased to support the Octagon’s redevelopment plans as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. I’m looking forward to seeing its transformation into a building fit for another 50 years and for future generations to enjoy.”

To find out more about how to help raise funds for the Octagon’s redevelopment, get in touch with the development team on reimagined@octagonbolton.co.uk or visit octagonbolton.co.uk.