IT may not have been the grand opening the Octagon had hoped for but what better way to welcome audiences back to the theatre than with a play – and one which captures and celebrates the spirit of this wonderful town.
The Octagon Theatre unveiled its dramatic new look this week as it opened its doors after closing in 2018 for the rebuild, with the curtain set to be raised again in 2019. But the pandemic struck - and put paid to those plans.
So Wednesday not only marked the opening night of the its aptly entitled ‘See You at the Octagon’, but the opening of the building to the public.
With Covid safety measures in place, the theatre doors opened once again to the public, eager to once again experience the drama, joy and emotion that comes from watching a live performance.
(Picture by Ray Jefferson Bolton Documentary Photography)
The audience, all suitably social distanced and a far cry from the ‘full house’ scenes experienced pre-Covid, was not left disappointed by this poignant, heartwarming, moving and uplifting performance celebrating the people and town of Bolton.
Taking centre stage was Bolton’s Pegeen Murphy who brings a specially-commissioned monologue by Becky Prestwich, a local stage and screenwriter, to life.
(Picture by Ray Jefferson Bolton Documentary Photography)
It is a story about the people and the town of Bolton, inspired by the public responses to the Octagon’s ‘Eight Questions’ questionnaire, which draws on memories shared of the past year and hopes for the future.
Pegeen takes on personas of different characters, all from very different backgrounds, reflecting Bolton’s beautifully diverse town, which are interlinked in some way.
Through them, Pegeen wonderfully captures and reminds us of the laughs, friendships and overwhelming community spirit that has touched people’s lives.
Local places are named-dropped, as are the world famous actors who once trod the boards at the Octagon — Andy Serkis spotted in town queuing for a pastie!.
And Bolton’s current situation also plays a part.
This poignant and beautifully told and performed script draws you into the characters’ lives, serving to remind us of the role theatre plays in people’s lives and how blessed the town is to have theatre ‘made in Bolton’. The grand reopening may not have happened but what a wonderful way to welcome people back to the Octagon. The play runs until Tuesday, June 15. Visit https://octagonbolton.co.uk/
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