THE stage is being set for opening of the new look Octagon theatre and people are invited to play a leading part in its launch.

The multi-million pound transformation of the Bolton theatre is entering its final stages as it prepares to open in the summer.

And to celebrate its reopening, the theatre is putting out a call for local people to be the face of the theatre ­— shinning a light on their individual stories about what the Octagon means to them.

The venue is looking for participants who will be featured on their opening season promotional material for their new branding and artwork.

Artistic Director Lotte Wakeham said: “Stories are at the heart of everything we do here at the Octagon and we want to share yours!

“It is important to us that the local community are at the forefront of the launch of the new Octagon and this is a wonderful opportunity for the many faces and characters of Bolton to celebrate and share their favourite memories of the Octagon from the past 52 years, and be part of the next chapter of the theatre’s history.”

The £10 million Octagon Reimagined project is the first part of the town’s masterplan which aims to transform the building, update backstage facilities and increase accessibility.

The majority of the £10 million has already been secured from Bolton Council and Arts Council England along with trust and foundations, businesses and major donors but there is still an ongoing fundraising campaign.

Those who want to get involved need to provide up to 120 words explaining their connection to the Octagon and their favourite memory of the theatre. They also need to provide a photograph.

Those aged under-18 need parental consent to take part.

They need to be available on Saturday, January 18 to attend a photo shoot.

For more information visit https://octagonbolton.co.uk/news/local-call-out/ and to express an interest in being part of the project email info@octagonbolton.co.uk by January 10, 9am.

There are only limited numbers of spaces available and those successful will be informed by January 14.