About Bolton Little Theatre
165 Seat Proscenium Auditorium
60 Seat Studio
Pre and Post Show Licensed Bar
Stage and Auditoria accessible by wheelchair
Disabled Lift and Toilet
Induction Loop for Hearing Impaired
About Bolton Little Theatre
Back in 1931 a group of thespians, members of the Bolton Dramatic Society, decided to set up Bolton Little Theatre. They were determined to present the best of contemporary and classic drama for which they felt they needed a theatre under their own control, as a precedent for this was being set all over the country. It took the group three years to find a premises they could convert into a theatre (while playing at the old Co-Operative Hall in Bridge Street). Thanks to the generosity of local industrialist William Wigglesworth, the premises in Hanover Street were acquired, and patiently converted into the theatre we have today, which was opened in 1934.
Apart from a brief interruption during the war, we have presented a yearly season of 6 or more plays ever since. In the late 1940’s we joined the Little Theatre Guild of Great Britain, as recognition of the quality of the work we present and in order to play a leading role on the national scene.
There have been quite a few changes to the building over 75 years! In 1965 an extension was built to provide rehearsal facilities; in 1987-8 major structural alterations were made to create a second performance space, the Forge Theatre, and to enlarge the foyer and bar; and in 1998 with a significant grant from the Lottery we were able to modernise the whole back-stage area, creating up to date facilities for staging, lighting and sound, as well as new dressing rooms and access for the disabled.
We remain a totally amateur organisation, operating entirely with volunteers. We continue to offer a varied season of plays, and to the people of Bolton and surrounding areas the chance to get involved in an absorbing and rewarding activity. The choice of plays for the 75th season offers the tried and tested mix of the comic and the serious, the light hearted and the thought-provoking that has kept us afloat for 75 years and indeed reflects the objectives of the founders back in 1931.
Getting to the Theatre on foot:
Starting at the Town hall, go round the back of the town hall, and under the arch in the crescent. walk directly away from the town hall, through the bus station and across the main road to where you cansee the 'Albion' pub. Go down the side of the pub and the theatre is directly in front of you.
By Bus or Train:
If you arrive by train or if the bus arrives at the bus terminus next to the railway station, make your way towards the town hall (4 min walk) and follow the instructions as above.
If the bus arrives at the Moor lane bus terminus, cross Moor lane towards the 'Albion' pub. Go down the side of the pub and the theatre is directly in front of you.
By car:
Make your way to Moor lane, (which runs behind the Town Hall and the bus station) Halfway along there is a pedestrian crossing by the 'Albion' pub. turn down the right hand side of the pub (warning, it is a one-way street) half way down on the left is the theatre's free car park (N.B. only during performances) or you may park on the street on the areas with a single yellow line (evenings only).
Bolton Little Theatre strongly advise that people use the car parks provided!
