The Octagon Theatre in Bolton has appointed Elizabeth Newman as its next artistic director when David Thacker, artistic director since 2009, steps down to become Professor of Theatre at the University of Bolton.
She is an associate director at the Octagon and was chosen from more than 30 applicants.
She currently directs main house and studio productions, leading the organisation’s new writing department, and programmes additional Octagon events.
Recent productions at the Octagon include Alice in Wonderland, Love Story, Duet for One and Separation, all of which are currently nominated for Manchester Theatre Awards.
She is currently in rehearsals for Noël Coward’s Private Lives which opens at the Octagon on March 26.
She commented: “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.”
The Octagon’s support for new plays and writers will continue, and there will be increased programming of family work. There will be a series of new collaborations with regional, national and international theatre makers, and a renewed commitment to involving and expressing the diversity of Bolton’s communities.
Ms Newman is expected to announce her first season, new commissions and new associate artists this autumn.