Bolton Little Theatre

The bulk of the collection consists of production files from 1931 to the present day. Files generally contain programmes, photographs, publicity material, press reviews and correspondence related to each individual productions. There is a collection of general marketing and publicity material relating to the Theatre itself as well as individual files for well-known former members including Geoffrey Banks and Sir Ian McKellen. There are also a small number of files relating to the establishment of the Theatre in 1931/1932 and its subsequent management and administration

Standard reprography conditions apply and are available on request from the archive

Access by appointment only. Please contact Bolton Little Theatre, 1 Hanover Street, Bolton, BL1 4TG, Email archive@blt.org.uk or Tel: 01204 394 223 to arrange access

Bolton Little Theatre was established 75 years ago in 1931 by a group of thespians; members of the Bolton Dramatic Society. The group originally performed at the old Co-operative Hall in Bridge Street, Bolton however by 1934 they had secured premises which could be converted into a theatre. Thanks to the generosity of local industrialist William Wigglesworth, the premises in Hanover Street were acquired and converted. Apart from a brief interruption during the war, when the Theatre was used as a sugar storage depot, Bolton Little Theatre has presented a yearly season of 6 or more plays. In the late 1940's the group joined the Little Theatre Guild of Great Britain, in order to play a more prominent role on the national scene. Bolton Little Theatre is a registered charity and remains a totally amateur organisation, operating entirely with volunteers