'Winner' as Marie would say....

Well we had some success at the recent MEN Theatre awards. There was a nice article in the MEN on Weds (you can read it here) with some great shots of some familiar Octagon faces including Mr Mark Babych and his lovely lady wife. You can see a few pictures from the event here.

And to the winners.

Best Actor

The magnificent David Fielder for The Merchant of Venice (Octagon)/ Waiting for Godot (Library) - they don't say which production specifically

Best Actor in a supporting role

The very lovely Paul Simpson (for the Octagon's production of Road / Spring and Port Wine)

Best Design

The extravaganza that was the Octagon's production of Oh What a Lovely War. Thanks you to the whole production team but particular credit to the designer Mr Richard Foxton.

You can read what the judges have to say in more detail here but a very well done to one and all.

Road - the Movie

For your viewing pleasure, a short movie promo of Road.

You'll be pleased to note we managed to edit out the bad language for the video, but please be advised the production itself contains the frequent use of very strong language.

Thank you.

Road - the Reviews

Hello all,

It's Monika here. It falls to me to keep you updated with all things Octagon while the lovely Sally is boarding on the slopes of Canada. We're trying to keep our envy in check over here, but it is hard.

Luckily we have the reviews from press night to keep us entertained, and I'd like to share them with you. You can read the reviews here and here and here and here. We think you'll agree, as long as you don't blush when there's swearing on stage, this one's worth checking out.

We've also been in the press this week because of the smoking in Road, which has caused some great debates online. You can read the Bolton News article here, and the online debate here.

Thanks.

Road - Snapshots

Road opened last night and press night is tonight. The lovely Ian was here yesterday afternoon and has captured some great images. I know I always say that but it amazes me that with everything going on on stage, he manages not only to get his shots in focus but also captures some really lovely moments. Have a look.

Behind Closed Doors

In advance of the opening night of Road, I thought you might want to catch a quick glimpse at what goes on behind the scenes! Take a look at a few photos from the rehearsals.....

They look like they are having far too much fun, don't they? I am sure the cast won't be the only ones.

When the Chips are Down!

You'll have to excuse the terrible pun above but all will become clear. The good thing about having the blog is that not only we can update you on how things are going, what's happening and all sorts of other things but it gives us the opportunity to thank just some of those people that are willing to help the Theatre.

A big thank you must go out to Olympus Fish & Chip Restaurant (37-39 Great Moor Street, Bolton BL1 1SW) who have been kind enough to help us out with the chips that will be featured on stage during the run of Road. If all this talk of chips is making you hungry why not pop on over there and grab some - not only are their chips stage trained (!) they are also delicious. Thanks again Olympus....

Road - Casting News

As part of its record-breaking 40th Anniversary Season, the Octagon Theatre, Bolton, celebrates its long and successful relationship with acclaimed playwright Jim Cartwright by presenting his seminal work Road from 6 to 29 March.

This is our road! But tonight it’s your Road an’ all! Let me help you get your bearings. There’s the town, there’s this Road, then there’s the slag heap. This is the last stop. All of life is chucked here.

Road tells the story of life on one road in a depressed northern town in Thatcher’s Britain. Scullery, our drunken guide, wanders aimlessly up and down his derelict road, pointing out the grim features of the landscape and setting the scene for the glimpses to come of its inhabitants’ lives.

Noreen Kershaw, a prominent director of both television and the stage and a well-known actress in her own right, returns to the Octagon to direct Road. Noreen has worked as a successful actor and director for many years. Most recently, she directed the December 2007 Liverpool Nativity. For television she has directed Shameless, Emmerdale, Heartbeat and Coronation Street. As an actress, she is recognised for her recent role as WPC Phyllis Dobbs in the BBC smash hit Life on Mars. She also directs Spring and Port Wine, which follows the production of Road, and features many of the Road company. As I am feeling indulgent (and I love it!) you can see footage from Life on Mars below - Noreen features about 1 min 40 in...



Her cast ranges from established favourites to Octagon newcomers. Well-known and much-loved John Henshaw takes the lead as Scullery. John starred in Steve Coogan’s Parole Officer and has had starring roles theatre’s across the country. He is also the face of The Post Office adverts! Here he is in action....



Paul Simpson makes a welcome return to the Octagon after appearing in the MEN Theatre Awards Best New Play 2007 winner And Did Those Feet and Jim Cartwright’s son James Cartwright makes his Octagon Theatre debut. Julie Riley, Tony Bessick, Joanna Higson and Eve Robertson complete the cast.