Looking for something?

Tap outside or press close

InspirationGraphic Design

Design by Day's down-to-earth identity for Octagon after five decades of theatre in Bolton

It's over 50 years since Octagon Theatre first opened its doors in Bolton. During that time, it has remained a proud home for local people and a symbol of culture and ambition for the town.

Written By:
Two vibrant Octagon Theatre posters on a street featuring bold orange and pink backgrounds with expressive portraits and the tagline "Seriously Entertaining Theatre

But with a multi-million-pound redevelopment well underway, an upcoming summer season and the impact of Covid-19, Octagon needed a brand refresh to help propel it into the next 50 years. It called on Manchester agency, Design by Day to come up with an identity that is "as engaging and entertaining as the theatre itself".

As founder and creative director, Angela Roche, explains: "The essence of the Octagon was clear; an extraordinary yet down-to-earth theatre with open and welcoming doors to everyone. Diverse, adventurous and inspiring, and proud of their Bolton heritage."

The logo tilts at exactly eight degrees as a subtle nod to the distinctive eight-sided shape of the theatre. The energy of the theatre is embodied through the vibrant colour palette. The messaging, such as 'Everyone's story matters, seriously entertaining theatre and made in Bolton', nods to the Octagon's unpretentious, bold and inclusive personality.

The diverse Octagon community is celebrated through energetic photography including the youth theatre, audience members, and even the head boy of a local school who attended the Octagon's opening night more than 50 years ago.

White tilted Octagon Theatre logo on a deep purple background surrounded by colourful geometric shapes in teal, coral and gold
Bold white and navy text reading "Theatre. Made in Bolton" on a vibrant orange background with geometric shapes in white, navy and red
Octagon Theatre's new branding on a deep purple background with white and gold text reading "Everyone's story matters" alongside geometric shapes
Open brochure spread for Octagon Kitchen & Bar showing interior photography, food images and text on a deep blue and bright pink background
Man in grey shirt and jeans leaping dynamically against a purple background with orange and red geometric shapes, representing the energy of Octagon Theatre's rebrand by Design by Day
Five variations of the Octagon Theatre's octagonal logo in navy and bright colours against a mustard yellow background
Open spread from Octagon Theatre's rebrand showing "Get Involved" section with photographs of diverse community members, colourful boxes and geometric shapes on turquoise background
Octagon Theatre's autumn/spring 2020-2021 branding campaign featuring "Hey Everyone, We're Back!" text on a dark purple background with colourful geometric shapes against a bright yellow backdrop
Two theatre posters on a brick wall promoting A Christmas Carol and One Man Two Guvnors, part of Octagon Theatre's rebranded identity
Two people with geometric shapes on a bright pink background, representing the diverse Octagon Theatre community in Bolton
Two portrait headshots against a bright orange background with geometric shapes, representing diverse members of the Octagon Theatre community
Two diverse people smiling against a bright turquoise background with colourful geometric shapes, representing the Octagon Theatre's inclusive community identity
Four diverse people in circular frames with geometric shapes on a vibrant yellow background, representing Octagon Theatre's inclusive community
Share

Further Reading