FORGET Cilla Black and Bolton's own Take Me Out matchmaker Paddy McGuinness, a theatre is playing Cupid for singles in the town.

The Octagon is inviting Bolton’s single ladies and gentlemen to get in touch for the chance to be paired up and receive a complimentary meal and tickets to the hotly-anticipated full-length production of Blind Date.

The comedy play explores the possibilities and pitfalls of internet dating through the story of two reluctant singletons, Andrew and Angela, who exaggerate their own desirability in order to attract their perfect partner.

Alice Bartlett, director, said: "Blind Date begins as a comedy exploring the possibilities as well as the pitfalls of online dating, but goes on to highlight the hope, joy and hilarity we all experience when dating and falling in love.

"As such, we can’t think of a better opportunity to do our very own matchmaking, or a better play to watch when on a blind date of your own.

"If we can make love blossom at the theatre, or at the very least engineer a new friendship, we’ll consider our time at the Octagon very well spent indeed."

Blind Date features Leigh actor Will Travis, recently seen on screen playing jilted husband Neil Beckett in Coronation Street, and who has just finished filming This Is England '90, returning as Mr Squires.

He will be joined by Susan McArdle, his partner both on and off stage, who appeared in Coronation Street as Gail Platt's former cell-mate, Lyn Fuller, and who will be seen in the BBC adaption of Jacqueline Wilson's Hetty Feather.

Written by Dave Simpson, Blind Date began life at JB Shorts — Manchester's celebrated biannual festival of 15-minute-plays by top television writers.

After an overwhelming response from audiences, a decision was made to extend the premise of Blind Date into a full-length production.

The competition is open to any Bolton single people who are brave enough to bite the bullet and go on a blind date at the theatre.

Winners will be picked based on compatibility and provided with a romantic meal and a bottle of wine before attending the debut of the production on Thursday, November 27 at 7.30pm in the Octagon’s Studio.

Following the real-life date, winners will be interviewed about their evening together and the play for The Bolton News.

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning, and perhaps finding love in the process, e mail info@octagonbolton.co.uk with your age, contact number and a sentence or two about what you are looking for in a perfect partner.

Entries are being accepted until 9am on Monday, November 24 and the chosen people will be contacted by the end of the same day.