NEXT season at the Octagon Theatre will see a feast of classic drama, contemporary comedy, and a world premiere from a Bolton playwright.

The work of Farnworth's Jim Cartwright will be centre stage as two of his productions will be shown back to back — Two, which initially premiered at the Octagon in 1989, is one of Jim Cartwright best-loved plays to date.

This will be followed by a world premiere of Two 2 — Cartwright's brand new play where he revisits the lives, loves, and laughs of regulars in a Northern boozer.

Elizabeth Newman will be making her debut as artistic director at the season's first production of a tender social comedy The Family Way, also known as All In Good Time, by one of the UK's most celebrated Northern playwrights Bill Naughton.

Ms Newman said: "I have received such wonderful support and good wishes about my appointment from our Bolton communities and region. The commitment and energy offered by the people of our town has meant so much to me. I am wholeheartedly looking forward to starting in post July 6.

"It will be an honour to work on one of Bolton's favourite classics from local playwright Bill Naughton from August, and it feels like a great way to kick off my artistic directorship. This transitional season of productions truly reflects some of the cracking work that's been produced at the Octagon; we are celebrating the great writing created in Bolton, whilst celebrating the long history that both the Theatre and David have enjoyed."

A classic and expansive Norwegian drama, An Enemy of the People, written by Henrik Ibsen and adapted by Arthur Miller, will be a return to the play for David Thacker, which he originally directed at the Young Vic in 1989.

The season's festive production sees the return of both a celebrated author and director — when the wonderland of Roald Dahl's The BFG is brought to life on the Octagon stage by Sarah Esdaile.

Finishing off the short season, in preparation for the autumn announcement of Ms Newman's first line-up of productions and artistic developments from April 2016, is Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis by Charlotte Jones, which returns to Bolton under the direction of one of the Theatre's previous artistic directors, Mark Babych, as a co-production between the Octagon and Hull Truck Theatre.

Chief executive Roddy Gauld said: "This season reflects the Octagon's history with plays that hold strong bonds for us and our audiences. As we make the transition to a new artistic director later this year, we all felt it appropriate to celebrate our past as we look to our future. I hope people enjoy this mix of productions and will be part of the Octagon's exciting journey over the forthcoming season."

In addition to main house productions, an exciting programme of touring and studio performances have been announced, including children's theatre, live music, co-productions, and new writing.

THE OCTAGON'S NEW SEASON

The Family Way (Fri 4 September — Sat 3 October 2015)

An Enemy of the People (Thu 8 — Sat 31 October 2015)

The BFG (Fri 13 November 2015 — Sat 9 January 2016)

Two (Thu 21 January — Sat 6 February 2016)

Two 2 (Wed 10 — Sat 27 February 2016)

Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis (Thu 10 March — Sat 2 April 2016)

The Lancashire Boys (Sun 13 September 2015)