The Octagon Theatre

Play a leading role in our Name A Seat campaign

Become a part of the furniture in our exciting redeveloped Octagon Auditorium by supporting our Name A Seat campaign.

You can name a seat in memory of a loved one, as a gift for someone who has inspired you, for a friend or relative, or even yourself. By naming a seat, you can become actively involved in helping us to redevelop The Octagon Theatre and be one of the first people invited into the new theatre to see your seat! Supporting ‘Name A Seat’ now means you will be placed on our priority list to choose a seat for your plaque once the seating plan has been designed.

The stage is set for the next chapter in the history of The Octagon Theatre as we move forward to raise aspirations, provide a flagship Arts and Entertainment venue, bring new artists and companies to Somerset, and provide exciting new opportunities for everyone.

All funds raised through the ‘Name A Seat’ campaign will go towards the cost of redeveloping The Octagon Theatre, with the project anticipated to be completed in the autumn/winter of 2024.

The Octagon Theatre normally welcomes around 130,000 people to performances each year - including around 30,000 just over the four week pantomime period to The Octagon Theatre alone! Over the next couple of years, there will be extensive redevelopment work to The Octagon Theatre. Through local fundraising, we are aiming to raise £250,000 through initiatives such as ‘Name A Seat’ and collections led by The Foyer Club Charity who have been supporting the ongoing development of the theatre.

HOW CAN I NAME A SEAT?

From remembering a loved one to commemorating a special occasion, naming a seat makes a perfect surprise gift!

Each seat costs between £150 to £250 to name.

When naming a seat…

• Your plaque remains in place for perpetuity
• You can personalise your plaque with an inscription of up to 70 characters
• You will be able to visit your seat plaque for a photo opportunity and be one of the first in our new auditorium
• The opportunity to share your ‘Name A Seat’ story through local media and online

To name a seat simply complete our Name A Seat form (click the red button below) and return it to us: Name A Seat, Westlands Entertainment Venue, Westbourne Close, Yeovil, BA20 2DD, with payment. Payment can be accepted as cash, cheque or (over the phone) by card.

If you have a specific seat in mind* please contact our Marketing Manager Martin Hacker, to check availability: Martin.Hacker@somerset.gov.uk.

To download our Name A Seat form, click on the image below.

*Seat selection is subject to availability

WHAT STORY WILL YOUR SEAT TELL?

We love hearing your special stories behind the naming of a seat so be sure to get in touch to share your story: Martin.Hacker@somerset.gov.uk

OUR PATRON – PAUL ZERDIN

Paul Zerdin began his life in pantomime here at The Octagon Theatre in the 1993 production of Cinderella. He has lasting memories of his fantastic time within this, his first pantomime production, and so The Octagon Theatre has become a special place for the Ventriloquist – who has since won the tenth season of America’s Got Talent leading to his very own Las Vegas residency. He is delighted to be supporting The Octagon’s Name a Seat campaign.

YOUR NAME A SEAT STORIES…

“We are blessed with the theatre we’ve got and we’re delighted to make a contribution to its future.” – Mr & Mrs Martin

“We’ve had so many happy times at The Octagon; not just the theatre, the restaurant is excellent as well.” – Mrs Goodridge

“I am a regular supporter of The Octagon Theatre... every year I am impressed with the variety of 'performers' [Adam Burgan, Theatre Manager] includes in the schedule. I would be happy if an aisle seat was recognised in [my wife's] memory.” - Mr Cooke

“I've named a seat in memory of my husband who loved coming to see the operatic society.” – Mrs Sharp

“Others should join the campaign to ‘Name A Seat’ as, without doubt, the performing arts are something that enriches many peoples’ lives. With support from individuals and companies, the campaign will enable venues to continue providing an excellent variety of productions and a comfortable viewing experience for their visitors.” – Mrs Turner

To name a seat in memory of a friend or loved one, simply download a form via the blue button above or pop into the theatre to pick one up.