THE largest puppet currently being created in the UK will take stage in Queens Park for an epic outdoor production.

Standing at eight metres tall when its is finished, the giant marionette will take the lead role in the Gulliver's Travels — the Octagon Theatre's first play in a park production.

And given that that the cast and crew at the Bolton theatre have packed up and gone on their travels across the town while the theatre undergoes a multi-million transformation, the play could not be more apt.

Singers and community choirs are being given the rare opportunity to be part of the play and star alongside the puppet Gulliver, which is being constructed by Handmade Parade in Hebden Bridge.

Queens Park will be transformed into locations from the classic children’s tale with the sunken garden, the duck pond and the amphitheatre becoming the magical land of Lilliput with festoon lighting, flags and sailboats adorning the park.

Audiences will meet at the Chorley New Road entrance to Queens Park and are encouraged to bring picnics or buy catering on site supplied by production partners Carrs Pasties and the Queens Park Café.

Artistic director Elizabeth Newman, who is co-directing the production with Ben Occhipinti, said: "Gulliver’s Travels will be such an exciting production. It’s our first ever park show and we are thrilled to be working with so many artists.

"We cannot wait to work with the exceptional voices of Bolton to produce the final scene of the production — we plan to make it big and spectacular!"

This will be Elizabeth's last production before she takes up a new position in Scotland.

"We hope lots of people will want to join in the final celebration of our 50th Anniversary Season after the extraordinary success of Summer Holiday. It’s now Bolton’s turn to sing," said Elizabeth.

Those interested in being part of the production can take part in some or all of the performances throughout the run and there will be a day of rehearsals on Saturday, August 11.

The production will take place in Queens Park on evenings between Thursday, August 16 and Monday, August 27 at 7.15pm with one matinee performance on Saturday, August 25 at 2.15pm.

For more information or to register to be involved email Norma.Rutherford@octagonbolton.co.uk