The Octagon Theatre

Our Octagon Buddies scheme is aimed at making everyone’s visit to our venues both enjoyable and supported.  The Octagon Buddies scheme is open to anyone that is looking for a companion or buddy to attend shows and events with at our venues. 

The scheme is open to everyone, but might be particularly useful for:

• Individuals experiencing anxiety about attending the theatre alone.
• Older people and socially isolated patrons.
• Individuals of ethnically diverse backgrounds that may not have previously had the opportunity to attend a theatre performance.
• Disabled people with physical or learning difficulties, who could use some support to attend show and events.

Our Octagon Buddies will…

• Meet you at the entrance to the venue.
• Help you collect your tickets from the Box Office and come with you to buy refreshments from the Bar.
• Guide you to your seat and sit with you during the show.
• Be there to chat with you before the show, during the interval and after the show too.
• Help you find the toilets.
• Stay with you until you've been collected or are safely on your way home.
• Generally make sure you're comfortable during your visit.

Please Note:  Octagon Buddies are not a replacement for a carer but someone to assist and provide companionship to semi-independent people if requested. All our Octagon Buddies are passionate about theatre and keen to support those who are unsure or unable to attend otherwise.  All our volunteers are friendly, trained, and keen to share their love for theatre.  They know our venues well and will be delighted to attend your visit with you. Currently whilst the Octagon Theatre is closed waiting redevelopment we are operating the scheme from our sister venue, Westlands Entertainment Venue.

How to apply to volunteer as an Octagon Buddy?

Volunteering at The Octagon Theatre & Westlands Entertainment Venue as an Octagon Buddy will provide rewarding and enjoyable experiences supporting patrons that might not feel confident in coming to the theatre alone, haven’t been before or don’t know what to expect and need a little additional support.

Our Octagon Buddies will act as companions and advocates for our patrons, supporting people to experience the theatre and set foot in our venues, who without this support would not have done so previously.

Our Octagon Buddies will be called upon when we receive a request for a buddy by a member of the public, who will then have the opportunity to volunteer if available. Our trained Octagon Buddies will then be paired with a patron who has bought a ticket for an event but would like some support whilst attending. Your ticket to shows and events will be provided free of charge when you are volunteering, we are simply asking for your time and commitment to the project.

If you are wising to become an Octagon Buddy Volunteer, please visit our Somerset Council volunteering webpage.  

How to request an Octagon Buddy?

Booking Guidelines

Our Octagon Buddies is a free scheme that will match you up with a companion if you are attending the venue for the first time or are anxious about coming to the theatre alone and looking for someone to talk to and guide you through venue. If there is an event you wish to attend but would like a buddy when you come, please get in touch.

Those wishing to access the Octagon Buddies scheme will need to contact Box Office by 01935 422884, westlandsyeovil@somerset.gov.uk or talk to a member of our team in person. 

Please note, we suggest booking as early as possible for events to allow us as much time as possible to pair you up with one of our Octagon Buddy volunteers, however we cannot guarantee availability.

1. At the first point of contact and request for a Buddy at a particular performance/event, the Box Office will reserve two seats. Anyone can request a Buddy, but we may need to ask some questions to find out a little bit more about individual needs. This is to ensure that we can pair individuals with a suitable Buddy.

2. We will then put out a request for an Octagon Buddy, through our volunteer database.

3. Once a Buddy has been confirmed the Box Office will get back in contact to make payment for one ticket, and confirm all the details of who they are to meet and an agreed meeting place. The Buddies ticket will be fully funded.

4. On the day of the event, Octagon Buddies will:

• Meet you at the entrance to the venue.
• Help you collect your tickets from the Box Office and come with you to buy refreshments from the Bar.
• Guide you to your seat and sit with you during the show.
• Be there to chat with you before the show, during the interval and after the show too.
• Help you find the toilets.
• Stay with you until you've been collected or are safely on your way home.
• Generally make sure you're comfortable during your visit.

5. Octagon Buddies will not be expected to:

• Move individuals in and out of a wheelchair
• Assist anyone in the toilets
• Be responsible for any medicines or medical equipment.
• Cover the costs of any purchases (e.g. Ice Cream, Programme, refreshments).

6. The venue’s Front of House team have responsibility for any emergencies. The Octagon Buddy will assist as far as they can but ultimately Octagon and Westlands Front of House team are responsible for the safety of the audience and are First Aid trained. If medical support is needed at any time, the Front of House team will be asked to assist.

7. Following on from each visit we will send a short survey to hear from you about your experience with us. This will make sure our scheme can continue to develop and grow.