What is a theatre but a little world where stories come to life? And what is a life but a story? And what are stories shared but the way we create our own little worlds and try to make sense of the bigger one into which we are born? Such are the thoughts set in train by Lawrence Till’s glorious new adaptation of the short stories of the Irish-born, Bolton-bred writer Bill Naughton (1910-92), author of Alfie and other plays and films.
Last year, the Octagon celebrated its 50th anniversary. All over the walls of the theatre are chalked titles of the productions that have gathered audiences within them. In mid-May, the theatre will close for refurbishment. While the work is carried out, instead of audiences coming into the auditorium, the theatre will be taking its productions out into the town. To mark the moment of transition, Elizabeth Newman, the Octagon’s artistic director, commissioned Till (also formerly an artistic director of the Octagon) to adapt Naughton’s Bolton-based stories and put the town on the stage.
Bill (the excellent Dan Parr) narrates a life story from the base of a “big corner”, a Bolton gathering place. Details are local – accounts of weavers, miners, outings to Blackpool; the action is universal – first job, first love, first child, first death. A strong cast, finely directed by Newman, poignantly animate this vibrant world we all can share.
• The Big Corner is at the Octagon, Bolton, until 5 May
