BOLTON'S involvement in the Commonwealth Games takes centre stage next week with a free performance at the Octagon Theatre.

Young members of Activ8 are taking part in an event called Contacting the World, in which 12 theatre companies from around the world have been exchanging thoughts about the world in which they live.

Six UK theatres from Bolton, London, Wales, Newcastle, Manchester and Oldham have each been twinned with an international Commonwealth partner including companies from India, Malaysia, Trinidad, Sir Lanka and Nigeria, to devise new works of thought provoking drama.

The plays will be showcased in Manchester's Contact Theatre from Monday, July 15, but before that time, each participating theatre will also present their productions at their home sites.

Bolton will perform with a company from Pandies in India. The production is being staged on Monday, 7.30pm, in the Octagon's Bill Naughton Theatre. Admission is free.

A repeat performance at the Contact Theatre will be on Thursday, July 18, 7.30pm, where admission will be £4 and £3 concessions.