A SEASON of exciting new theatre work is taking centre stage in Bolton.

The Octagon's new Reveal Season will see plays being performed around the the town, including the windy rafters of the NCP carpark and in with the locals at The Balmoral Pub.

The festival was launched on Monday and is an opportunity to experience original new work made by emerging theatre makers, which is being showcased in a programme of performances taking place in a variety of locations over two weeks.

It will includes shows inside the Octagon's Studio Theatre, performances popping up outside across Bolton, and an original work created on film which will be presented online.

The festival has been curated by Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman, RTYDS Assistant Director Ben Occhipinti, and Associate Producer Deborah Dickinson.

Ms Newman said: "The Festival will bring together a diverse mix of artists and theatre companies to present exciting and engaging performances, experiences, and events, from performances in cafés, pubs and car parks through to digital experiences.

"The Reveal Season is an opportunity to experience thrilling, unique work, and a chance for artists and audiences to take risks together."

Artists and theatre-makers have been taking over locations such as town centre eatery Odessa café in Exchange Square which played host to 12MilesNorth theatre company and its production Twelve Miles North of Sheffield yesterday and this evening at 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

Join Paperwork Theatre is inviting people on a journey across Bolton town centre with their latest production You Me + the Goal Post, to explore community life in modern Britain through a day at the footie.

Performances take place tomorrow at 6.30pm and 8pm, and Saturday at 2pm and 3.30pm.

The top floor of the Octagon NCP carpark will play host to Multi Story which features five new plays by Greater Manchester writers on Monday through to Wednesday at 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

It will be an intimate, open planned performance with capacity for 25 audience members per show.

Meanwhile the The Balmoral Pub in Bradshawgate will be centre stage for award-winning production Early Doors, an immersive theatrical experience, running from next Thursday to Friday at 7.30pm and next Saturday at 2pm.

In a mix of stand-up and ground-breaking theatre, the Reveal Season will explore themes and issues relevant to the communities of Bolton.

The struggles of junior doctors take centre stage in the new drama Rounds by Resuscitate Theatre next Friday and Saturday, and audiences can follow the journey of a Muslim woman in The Promised Land as she discovers the UK in the eyes of an asylum seeker next Thursday.

Social media will also be harnessed to share solutions of how to make theatre more accessible for older generations, inspired by Changing the Story, a series of filmed interviews with older people talking about barriers to getting to the theatre which can viewed at the Octagon's website.

The festival will run until June 25. For more information on show times and dates visit to www.octagonbolton.co.uk.