Bolton Little Theatre is a registered charity located at Hanover Street, Bolton BL1 4TG and has a small car park available. It was established in 1931.[1] The theatre is a member of the Bolton Amateur Theatre Societies,[2] The Little Theatre Guild of Great Britain, which it joined in 1947[3] and the Greater Manchester Drama Federation.[4] Bolton is the envy of many towns as it has the largest amateur theatre network in the UK.[5]
The theatre's Patron is Sir Ian McKellen and this is where this famous British actor started his career shortly after attending Bolton School (Boys' Division).[6]
“Bolton Little Theatre is a very important part of Bolton ...if you wanted to see plays well done you came down to see the amateurs rather than a professional company... the Little Theatre is full of people with real enthusiasm” Sir Ian McKellen, CBE, CofH, September 2006[7]
The theatre's main proscenium arch auditorium seats 165 in traditional rows and the Forge, an intimate theatre in the round has seating for 60. The theatre also has a comfortable bar and exhibition area where one can enjoy a pre-performance drink, or mingle with the cast after the show.[8] The theatre runs theatre workshops and have a youth group for people interested in training in theatre. Members also provide touring productions at outside venues.
