Bolton’s Octagon Theatre has unveiled the shows which will delight audiences this autumn and into 2025.

The autumn season opens with a new production of the much-loved modern classic, Brassed Off (September 5 to 28). Based on the smash-hit film about a tight-knit Yorkshire mining town, and the dispirited brass playing miners who may have their hopes dashed of qualifying for the National Championships, as they fight to keep their colliery open. The show features live music from local brass bands.

Lancashire Telegraph: Pali and Jay's Ultimate Asian Wedding DJ

Critically acclaimed theatre company Rifco Theatre will then present the hilarious comedy Pali & Jay’s Asian Wedding DJ Roadshow (October 16 to 19) which follows uncle and nephew duo Pali and Jay in the competitive world of wedding DJ’ing.

Lancashire Telegraph: Stones in His Pocket, Octagon

The season continues with the dark comedy Stones in his Pocket (October 22 to November 2). Set in rural Ireland, a small village is turned upside down when a Hollywood studio arrives to film the latest historical blockbuster.

Heading into the festive season, this year the Octagon present an enchanting new musical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved classic, The Jungle Book (November 22 to January 4) directed by Sarah Punshon.

Lancashire Telegraph: Some of the shows which form part of the Octagon’s autumn/winter season

The first show of 2025 sees Mina Anwar reprise the title role in Willy Russell’s heart-warming comedy Shirley Valentine (February 7o to March 8), following her critically acclaimed, sell-out performance in the Octagon’s 2020 production.

The autumn/winter season comes to a gripping conclusion with a compelling new production of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men (March 26 to April 12). Sarah Brigham directs this classic tale of friendship and hope about two drifters, Lennie and George during the Great Depression.

There is also a fantastic selection of music, comedy and entertainment for 2024.

Ad Infinitum presents Beautiful Evil Things (July 4 to 6) which combines physical storytelling and cut-throat wit and was named one of The Guardian’s Best Theatre of 2022.

Ordinary Glory present Joy Unspeakable (October 5) and on October 8 The North West Film Archive provides a fascinating history into Bolton’s industries, cultures and traditions from the last hundred years as seen through captured footage from local film-makers when it presents Bolton on Film.

The award-winning Dyad Productions return this autumn with Austen’s Women: Lady Susan (October 9).

Other highlights include an adults only show featuring Basil Brush; Bolton’s very own Chaser Jenny Ryan sharing an evening of song and showbiz tales and tributes to Abba, Kate Bush, Buddy Holly and Elvis.

There are also a series of shows and activities especially aimed at younger audiences.

For full details of the new schedule, visit www.octagonbolton.co.uk.