THE swinging sixties are often described as the era of free love — but as a new play opening tomorrow shows that was not the case for everyone.

All I See is You, a play about forbidden love in 60s Bolton opens at the Octagon tomorrow (Friday).

It is penned by Octagon National Playwriting Prize winner Kathrine Smith and inspired by real accounts of being gay 50 years ago.

Kathrine's work was chosen from hundreds of submissions from across the globe for the National Octagon Prize, with hers being one of the winning duologues being performed for the first time in the Octagon Studio during the theatre's 50th anniversary season.

Kathrine, who writes for hit television shows including Eastenders, Holby City and Suspects, said: "The Octagon's 50th anniversary year coincided with the 50th anniversary of partial decriminalisation of homosexuality.

"This got me thinking about the stories that haven't been told from that time."

The play follows Bobby who works on Woolies' record counter and Ralph who dreams of being a teacher. But it's Bolton, 1967 and their love is illegal but can they overcome their own demons and defy society to find a way of being together?

All I See Is You is described as a 'a roller-coaster love story inspired by real accounts' from fifty years ago.

"The challenges Bobby and Ralph face are based on news reports and biographical accounts from the 1960s. All I See Is You is not just a play about love overcoming prejudice but I hope, a celebration of courage and self-acceptance," said Kathrine.

An Octagon regular, Christian Edwards returns to play the role of Ralph, he has previously performed in The Winter’s Tale, To Kill A Mockingbird, The Secret Garden and Singin’ in the Rain. Eastenders and Shameless actor Ciaran Griffiths will be making his debut at the Octagon having most recently appeared on stage in Shirley at Hope Mill Theatre.

The National Octagon Prize was set up by Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman in 2015 to celebrate new writing for the stage.

Associate director, and director of All I See Is You Ben Occhipinti said: "All I See Is You is set in 1967 which is perfect to celebrate the Octagon’s 50th anniversary. We felt that the love story between Bobby and Ralph was important for Bolton audiences, especially looking back at how far we have come in the last 50 years. We are really proud to be presenting this piece of new work."

All I See Is You will be playing at the Octagon Theatre Bolton’s Studio from tomorrow to Saturday, April 14.

Visit octagonbolton.co.uk/whats-on/theatre/all-i-see-is-you for more info.