ELIZABETH Newman has been revealed as the Octagon Theatre's next artistic director.

The 29-year-old, currently the theatre's associate director, will take over from David Thacker when he steps down from the role in July.

Miss Newman promises a "vibrant programme" and hopes to open the Octagon's doors to new audiences with a range of diverse projects both inside and outside the theatre, as well as online.

Originally from Croydon in south London, she joined the theatre in 2009 after landing a place on the UK's longest-running training scheme for young theatre directors.

More than 30 applicants were considered for the artistic director role and Ms Newman, who ran a theatre in London at the age of 22, was selected after a rigorous interview process.

She said: "It is an honour to be appointed as the new artistic director of the Octagon.

"I know in the coming years we can build on the theatre’s past achievements and strive to reach even more people with a new, diverse and vibrant programme."

There are no plans to employ a new associate director but Ms Newman will team up with regional, national and international theatre makers.

Ms Newman, who recently got married, said: "When I arrived in Bolton, I fell in love with the place and the people, hence staying so long.

"I think it's the openness and the integrity of the people that live here — their generosity of spirit. The fact they are incredibly up for trying new things.

"They are wonderfully bright.

"I have never worked in a town that has so many people who love writing as much as Bolton."

She added: "My ambition has always been to run a regional theatre.

"I see my tenure as opening the Octagon's doors, connecting to people and sharing what Bolton has to offer artistically with the world and bringing lots of fantastic people to Bolton to make work for the people here, who live here and visit here."

A directing graduate of Rose Bruford College in London, she has spent the past six years directing main house and studio productions, leading the organisation’s new writing department and programming additional Octagon events.

Recent productions include Alice in Wonderland, Love Story, Duet for One and Separation, all of which are nominated for accolades at next Friday's Manchester Theatre Awards.

She said: "I am proud to artistically lead such an exceptional organisation that is completely committed to making transformative and life-enhancing art for, and with, its audience. We can't wait to share it with you.”

Ms Newman, who lives in Manchester but is in the process of relocating to Bolton, is expected to announce her first season, new commissions and new associate artists this autumn.

Margaret Blenkinsop, chairman of the Octagon board of trustees, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Elizabeth.

"She stood out in what was a very tough and competitive selection process and impressed us with her ambitions for the Octagon and her passion for the Bolton community.

"We were looking for someone who could build on the theatre’s existing successes whilst expanding the range of our work and reaching new audiences. I believe Elizabeth will do exactly that.”

Roddy Gauld, the Octagon's chief executive, said: “Elizabeth brings not only talent, ideas and enthusiasm to the role, but an approach that enables and supports the best in others.

"Under Elizabeth, the Octagon will be a place where a huge range of people, artists and communities will feel at home and make things happen. I am confident she will take the Octagon into an exciting new era.”

Mr Thacker, artistic director since 2009, is stepping down to become professor of theatre at the University of Bolton.

He will continue to direct at the theatre in the role of associate artistic director, as part of the Octagon’s partnership with the University of Bolton on its new BA degree programme.