How wonderful to be back in a theatre amongst real people! With Covid-19 restrictions still in place the Octagon team created a welcoming, efficient, and safe environment in their newly refurbished building. The place looks and feels amazing with a winning combination of modern design and functionality.
We were there to see The Hound of the Baskervilles. A trio of multi-talented actors played all the roles deploying an impressive multitude of accents and physicality with costume and prop changes cleverly and entertainingly woven into the performance.
The multi-rolling was brilliant, Polly Lister, Reuben Johnson and Simon Kane [a constant as Dr Watson] portrayed their characters with infectious exuberance and skilful comedy timing.
Woven into the production were references to vaudeville, Victorian melodrama, silent movies, and Laurel & Hardy. There were many giggles and lots of pent-up laughter released. A great boost to our collective well-being!
The cast have great chemistry and very comfortably broke the fourth wall, flowing effortlessly back into character[s].
Octagon’s Lotte Wakeham, minimally and very cleverly staged this production with props that not only kept us in the plot but also added to the humour.
David Woodhead’s costumes enabled the multitude of quick changes to bring each character to life, perfectly combining with the wonderfully talented actors.
I can highly recommend that you give yourself and yours a treat and visit the wonderful new Octagon.
Comin up:
Olivier Award winning comedy, Home I’m Darling (Wed 1 September – Sat 2 October). Laura Wade’s acclaimed play takes a hilarious look into the marital bliss of perfect couple. Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be in this brilliantly funny co-production with Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake and Stephen Joseph Theatre.
A magical festive production Peter Pan (Fri 26 November 2021 – Sun 9 January 2022). JM Barrie’s classic tale will be adapted for the stage by Sarah Punshon, with songs by Claire Tustin and Ziad Jabero.
A new monthly comedy night. On the last Friday of each month (24 September, 29 October, 26 November) with some of the best names in comedy including Matt Richardson and Daliso Chaponda.
Before all that, the venue will be bringing fun for all ages with a new FREE family festival over the August bank holiday weekend (Fri 27 - Sun 29 August). Families will be invited to come to the Octagon to enjoy plenty of free activities including storytelling, dancing, craft activities and more.
Visit; octagonbolton.co.uk
Phone: 01204 520 661
Comments