A BOLTON theatre is giving writers the chance to see their work transformed into short plays.

The Octagon Theatre has launched a project for local writers, of any age or level of experience.

It will support Bolton Amateur Theatre Societies (BATS) in producing four new short plays, to be directed by emerging directors mentored by the Octagon’s associate director Elizabeth Newman and learning and participation associate director, Lisa O’Neill-Rogan.

It is part of a Heritage Project, produced with DBBC (Diversity in Barrier-Breaking Communications) Bolton.

Ms Newman said: "We want the plays to breathe new life into stories from the past, enabling them to resonate with people today.

"We want to create art that is used to inform, educate, and stimulate dialogue — encouraging people to learn, remember, and be aware that what has gone before informs the lives we live today.”

The submitted plays should focus on commemorating and remembering the First World War, with specific consideration of local heritage, such as the Battle of Gallipoli and the many soldiers from Bolton and Manchester who lost their lives there.

The selection of the successful plays will take place on 11 February, and workshops with writers and the DBBC team will take place in a number of evening sessions throughout February and March.

Paul Cohen, BATS chairman, said: “Members of BATS are excited to be involved in such a poignant and thought provoking project.

"The subject matter will allow any budding writers within the amateur theatre movement in Bolton to put their skills to the test, along with being privileged to be writing about events that happened over 100 years ago that changed our lives forever."