Two world premieres, a regional first and a classic given a while new look are all part of the first season of shows heading to the new-look Octagon Theatre.

Here is your at-a-glance guide to the new season

Housewarming Party

Saturday, July 18 - Sunday, July 19

A chance to explore the new-look Octagon with a wide range of fun activities being organised. There will be backstage tours and sound and lighting and demonstrations and the new kitchen and bar will be open for the first time. The weekend will feature four performances of a specially-commissioned work, One Night in Bolton performed by the theatre’s Young Octagon Company

Get Creative Festival

Monday, August 17 to Sunday, August 30

A two-week celebration featuring a wide range of activities for people of all ages to take part in. These include drama workshops, storytelling sessions and family crafts.

One Man, Two Guvnors

Thursday, September 3 to Saturday, October 3

The first production at the new-look Octagon is this acclaimed comedy which will be directed by the theatre’s own artistic director Lotte Wakeham.

Marvellous

Wednesday, October 7 to Saturday, October 31

A world premiere of the stage version of the best-selling novel which in turn became a Bafta Award winning BBC film. The production is based on the remarkable life of Neil ‘Nello’ Baldwin who has been kitman for Stoke City, a professional clown and remains an eternal optimist.

A Christmas Carol

Thursday, November 19 to Saturday, January 16

A new adaptation of the Dickensian classic from the team that brought Treasure Island to the Octagon during the festive season in 2019. Featuring actor musicians performing live on stage, this promises to be a fun production for all the family.

An Adventure

Thursday, January 28 to Saturday, February 20

Regional premiere of an astonishing, uplifting love story spanning seven decades and three continents written by Vinay Patel.The production will feature a set design from Linbury Prize winner T K Hay

The Book Thief

Friday, March 12 to Saturday, April 10

Second world premiere of the season, transforming the international best-seller by Markus Zusak into a musical for all ages to enjoy. The adaptation has been carried out by best-selling author Jodi Picoult and features songs from the team behind the movie Olaf’s Frozen Adventure.