Since 2016, RoughHouse Theatre has been working in partnership with Bolton School as Theatre Company in Residence.

During academic year 2016/2017, RoughHouse Theatre developed Out Of Order, a piece of work using the central themes of democracy, law, justice and race, with years

7, 8 and 9. 

Using newspapers, transcripts and devised material, RoughHouse developed a physical language with the cast that embodied the themes and carried the text. 

Performed as part of the 2017 Festival of Drama.


Using the 1937 Mass Observation project that originated in Bolton as a starting point, RoughHouse Theatre and Bolton School will embark upon a brand new series of interviews, assignments and interactive pop up events that focuses on the people and communities of Bolton 80 years after the original event that culminates in a brand new piece of theatre during academic year 2017/2018.


Marking the centenary of World War One, RoughHouse Theatre collaborated with the Boy's Division across all years to create a brand new piece of theatre that honoured those that fought and those left behind at home. 

Taking the structure of TS Eliot's Wasteland, this production traveled through the school grounds with its audience exploring the different areas of the school and the different communities affected by the war.

"an inspiring a truly talented cast of boys who each gave moving and meaningful performances."