BOLTON has two new rising stars in its midst.

Adam Crompton and Ollie Guffogg may be young but they are about to take to a very big stage.

The pair will be sharing the role of Arthur in a new adaption of Anne Bronte's Tenant of Wildfell Hall at the Octagon Theatre later this month.

For eight-year-old Ollie this is the first time acting in front of a public audience.

However, the youngster from Bromley Cross is not short of advice for his moment in the public spotlight, especially with support from his grandad — former Bolton Wanderers coach Sam Allardyce!

Mum Rachel Allardyce said: "He's really excited for Ollie, he is looking forward to going to watch him in the play. He is busy but he always makes time. He will definitely get there, he always does.

"Ollie's older brother Keaton is the sporty one, he lives and breathes football. Ollie likes both but plays tennis, he never got into football because he was at drama school on Saturday from a very young age.

"I'm really, really proud of him. We are all really pleased and excited to see him on stage."

Ollie has attended Stagecoach Performing Arts School for three years and his tutors advised Miss Allardyce to sign her son up for the Octagon auditions.

The talented youngster is also learning to play the piano and is a big fan of musical theatre.

Miss Allardyce added: "He has done a few auditions but this is the biggest thing he has done so far.

"He is really excited, he's too young to be nervous. He is just enjoying the experience!"

Based on the novel by Anne Brontë, the adaptation by award-winning playwright Deborah McAndrew will be directed by the theatre's artistic director Elizabeth Newman.

Set in 19th century Yorkshire, the play focuses on a mysterious young widow, Helen Graham, and her son, Arthur, as they arrive at the desolate estate of Wildfell Hall.

While the Octagon is a new experience for Ollie, Adam is enjoying his third outing in front of its audience.

The 10-year-old from Belmont has previously appeared in An Enemy of the People and To Kill a Mockingbird, as well various different plays with the town's amateur dramatic societies.

Mum, Natalie Crompton explained: "He really, really enjoys it. He loves the team and has made great friends with Ollie.

"He's wanted to act since he was about four. That's when he joined CATS youth theatre and has done various shows since then.

"He is very down to earth and really he's the geekiest of geeks. He love things like Pokemon and Doctor Who.

"We will support in him in whatever he wants to do! His dream job would be in Doctor Who, as The Doctor!"

The show will run at the Octagon Theatre from March 30 to April 22.

For tickets visit octagonbolton.co.uk/whats-on/theatre/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall.