THE Octagon has launched a new ‘Theatre Club’ for the over-50s so they can continue to enjoy all the drama during Covid-19.

The theatre was due to launch ReAct, a National Lottery-funded project for senior citizens, but that has had to be postponed due to the current crisis.

So instead ReAct is going online so those over-50s can channel their creative energies and improve wellbeing.

Members can watch and read theatre, then take part in fun discussions about it.

Plays will be announced every Wednesday, with discussions taking place the following Wednesday over Zoom. The first discussion will be next Wednesday, exploring the award-winning Flowers For Mrs Harris, which members will be able to watch.

Project manager Caitlin Gleeson said: “At this time of social distancing staying connected with each other and especially older people in our communities is more important than ever.

"The effects of loneliness and isolation can be devastating.We are thrilled to be launching the Theatre Club alongside the Facebook group to begin this journey to connect and boost creativity at home while we cannot be together.”

To take part email participation@octagonbolton.co.uk to book a place. Also available will be a guide to using Zoom. To find out more go to facebook.com/groups/OctagonReAct/.