THE Octagon is in the running to be named Theatre of the Year at the prestigious Stage Awards.

The Bolton theatre is one of six finalists from across the UK who have have demonstrated artistic excellence, financial resilience, innovative business practices and positive workforce conditions over the last 12 months.

The Octagon’s Chief Executive Roddy Gauld and Artistic Director Lotte Wakeham said: “We are absolutely over the moon that the Octagon has been shortlisted for this award. It’s a huge honour when you consider the achievements of so many other theatres around the UK.

“The last 12 months have been an incredible time for the Octagon. We’re so proud of the quality, range and profile of the work we’ve produced and the efforts we’ve made to become a more inclusive organisation for our Bolton communities.

“There have been so many highlights over the last year including our ever growing work with families, our many brilliant co-productions, the epic An Adventure and the huge hit that was the world premiere of The Book Thief.

“It’s a team effort to create the conditions on and off stage, artistically and financially, that make a theatre successful. We’d like to say a really huge thank you to all the staff, freelancers and volunteers who have achieved so much. We’re full of appreciation for them. And we couldn’t do anything without our enthusiastic audiences, and our wonderful donors, supporters and partners.”

Alistair Smith, editor of The Stage, said: “The Stage Awards shortlist showcases the extraordinary quality and astonishing variety of work being undertaken across the UK.

“Despite the huge difficulties that theatre has faced over the past two years, these shortlists underline the fact that it is bouncing back and that companies of all types continue to create outstanding work for audiences everywhere.”

The nomination follows an outstanding year of success at the Octagon which underwent a two year, £12 million redevelopment, reopening in June 2021.

Currently a new version of A Christmas Carol is playing to full houses and the year has seen landmark productions including the world premiere of The Book Thief.

The other venues shortlisted for Theatre of the Year are the Bush Theatre, London; Curve Theatre, Leicester; Harold Pinter Theatre, London; Liverpool’s Royal Court and Lyric Theatre, Belfast. The winner will be announced at a special ceremony at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London on Monday, January 30.