Schools invited to free Dream event

An important note from our friends at the University of Bolton. They have contacted me to let you know that schools, colleges and youth groups with a passion for The Bard have an opportunity to investigate A Midsummer Night's Dream with academics from across the country.

The University of Bolton, in partnership with us here at the Octagon Theatre, are running an Investigate Day to explore the fascinating world of Shakespeare, with particular reference to A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Places are free, but must be booked before Friday 5 February, due to popularity. The event, for 14 year olds and over, is on Saturday 27 February, from 9.30am at the University, and concludes with a matinee performance of the play at the Octagon Theatre.

Key speakers will take those attending on a whistle-stop tour of Shakespeare and will explore how his work has transcended across many genres and mediums.

There will be a range of presentations by professionals, who will put Shakespeare under scrutiny. These include:

• Dr Mel Gibson from the University of Northumbria and EmmaVieceli a Graphic Artist at Self Made Hero Publishers, who will be discussing the graphic novel versions of Shakespeare's work;


• Brid Andrews, from the University of Bolton who will bediscussing the filmic adaptations of the play and


• Professor Richard Wilson, from Cardiff University who is an expert in the field of Shakespeare's work.

Said organiser, Rebecca Albrow, Creative Industries Project Manager at the University:

'This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone aged 14 yrs or over that has a passion for Shakespeare's plays.'

For further information please contact Rebecca Albrow (e) R.A.Albrow@bolton.ac.uk (t) 01204 903332. You can read more about the event on our website.

You can read an interview with Vanessa Kirby who play Helena in the production here and another in Citylife with Kiruna Stamell here.

Investigate: Miller Time

If seeing All My Sons has led you to want to know more about the man that is the great Arthur Miller you might be interested to get the heads up on a few associated events that are part of our BoltON investigate series.

Tomorrow (Wed 14 Oct) starts a Investigation into All My Sons. As the title suggests David leads some of the cast into an investigation of the play. If you are studying Miller, just have a general passion for him or want to understand more about the 'science' behind a performance then this will provide a great insight into how a play progresses from page to stage. And don't forget if you are under 26 you can still take advantage of the under 26s Free Tickets scheme. Click here for more info on the event.

On Saturday 17 Oct we welcome the guru of all things Miller, Mr Christopher Bigsby. Not only did Mr Bigsby write the article on All My Sons for our season brochure, he is a Director of the Arthur Miller Centre and an author of a new biography on Arthur Miller. So there can't be many more qualified to talk about Arthur and I am sure as eggs he knows his onions. You can read more about this event here.

And lastly, but by no means leastly, we have had some further info on the Investigate: All My Children event on Sat 24 October. This event will see extracts of All My Sons, performed alongside Caryl Churchill's Seven Jewish Children and Seven Other Children by Richard Stirling. Should be a very interesting day. If you want to join the debate then click here for more info.

So October is looking like a good month for fans of Miller. As I said in the title....Miller Time.