WORK which has never been seen before is coming to Bolton as the town’s theatre celebrates holding its first national competition.

Last year the Octagon invited writers from all around the UK — and beyond — to submit a unique piece of theatre.

After receiving hundreds of entries from across the globe, the winners of the first National Octagon Prize have been found.

The three writers will have their pieces brought to life on stage next year.

Artistic director Elizabeth Newman sat on the panel of judges who whittled down the winners.

She said: “It was absolutely brilliant to receive so many wonderful entries. We are thrilled with the winning monologues which are poignant, moving, and hopeful in equal measure.”

The first winners of the competition with their 40-minute dramatic monologues are Ian Townsend from Mossley with Being Amazing, Shauna Mackay from Blyth, in Northumberland, with Nobody Can Never Get us Back and Charlotte Josephine from Hemel Hempstead with Blue.

Charlotte said: “I’m very grateful and mad proud to have won. It’s such an honour to have been selected, and so exciting to get to share my work outside of London.”

Actress and Stage Edinburgh Award winner Charlotte’s monologue focuses on a girl struggling to fit in and who turns to alcohol for help, while Ian’s follows a teenage boy who is desperate to have an amazing day.

Ian, who has previously won a Manchester Theatre Award and had work played on BBC Radio Three, added: “I know it’s obvious to say, but I am genuinely thrilled.”

Meanwhile Shauna, who has also won awards for her previous work, presented a story told by a woman sharing an experience of trauma.

The winning monologues, which vary in theme and genre, were chosen by a panel of eight judges which included associate artistic director at the Young Vic Sue Emmas; Associate Artistic Director at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Amit Sharma; former Octagon artistic director, Lawrence Till and BBC audio drama producer Sue Roberts.

They will be performed in the Octagon’s First Words season in the Studio Theatre from June 21 to July 8 next year, with tickets now on sale.