What is A Night Less Ordinary?

A Night Less Ordinary is an Arts Council England scheme in association with Metro, which will provide 618,000 free theatre tickets to anyone under 26 in more than 200 venues across England. For more information about the scheme visit www.anightlessordinary.org.uk

We'll be giving away 4000 free tickets to those under 26 over the next two years, as part of a groundbreaking national scheme to increase cultural opportunities for young people.

How do I get free tickets?

We have a limited amount of tickets available on each Monday night of the run in our Main House and we also have a limited amount of tickets for for our special events, including Children's Theatre Saturdays and theatre for young people. Tickets are allocated on a first come, first served basis and need to be booked via the Ticket Office on 01204 520661.

You will need to provide the name, address, postcode, email and date of birth of all ticket holders. You will also need to provide proof of age for each ticket holder when you collect your tickets. As you need to provide proof of age to claim your tickets, they will not be sent out in the post.

Can I come any other night of the week ?

If you are under 26 and a student of the University of Bolton, Bolton Community College or hold an NUS card you are entitled to a 'Student FTI' which allows you to watch our main house shows on any weekday evening. Tickets are limited and subject to availability so early booking is advised.

To book your Student FTI contact Marie Irving-Murphy on 01204 529407 or email marie.irving-murphy@octagonbolton.co.uk and quote 'Student FTI'. You will need to bring your student ID with you when you collect your tickets. PLEASE NOTE: Student tickets are not available on our normal Ticket Office number or online.

If I have a free ticket will that restrict where I can sit?

Not at all. As a free ticket holder you will be entitled to the best possible seats available at the time of booking. Please note all bookings are subject to availability.

Can the free tickets be booked in advance?

You can book your tickets as far in advance as you require. A limited number of free tickets will be available on Monday nights during the run on Main House shows. We will also offer free tickets on our other events. You can find out more about our programme on our What's On pages.

Should all the free tickets be allocated for the performance that you wish to attend our Ticket Office will offer alternative dates where free tickets might still be available or will add you to our Waiting List should we have any cancellations for the date you've requested.

If you need to be more flexible with your dates and would rather come on a different night, and if you are under 26, you can still take advantage of our Young Persons £4 Standby ticket. However, the £4 ticket is a stand-by ticket and can only be booked within 3 days of the performance you wish to attend.

How many free tickets can I have?

You can book a maximum of 6 free tickets per booking. However, we will need details (name, address, postcode, email address and date of birth) of all ticket holders rather than just the booker. We will also need proof of age for all ticket holders when they collect their tickets.

What if I want to come with my friends or parents?

We ask that those aged 14 and under are accompanied by an adult. If you wish to attend with your friends and/or family, and you book the tickets at the same time then you should be sat together, subject to seat availability.

What about school groups?

This initiative is aimed at individuals rather than schools. There are other schemes, such as Shakespeare for Schools, that encourage and support schools that want to take their pupils to the theatre. A Night Less Ordinary is not only about getting young people into the theatre but helping them to feel comfortable about booking their own tickets and encouraging them to adopt each of the theatre spaces as their own. However, if you would like to act as an ambassador for the scheme in your school, then please contact us on 01204 556505.

What happens if I don't use my free ticket?

We understand that plans change and cancellations are sometimes unavoidable. We request that if you are not going to be using your free tickets you notify the theatre 24 hours in advance of the performance you wish to attend. The Octagon reserves the right to refuse to issue free tickets to those that have booked and subsequently not attended the event without appropriate notice. We would like as many people as possible to have the opportunity to take advantage of the scheme.

How do I keep informed?

In order to receive e-news updates, information and special offers relating to the scheme you can register your details above.