BOLTON Octagon has revealed the casting for its summer treat, a sensational new production of Alan Plater’s warm and witty musical play, Blonde Bombshells of 1943.

The production looks at The Blonde Bombshells, the most glamorous all-girl swing band in the North, which seems to lose members every time it plays an American air base.

With an important BBC job in the offing, Betty needs to find new musicians fast!

This lively and lavish musical play is filled with glorious live swing performances of 1940s classics including Glenn Miller, The Andrews Sisters, George Formby and Fats Waller taking audiences on a wonderful journey back to a bygone era.

It is a joint production between the Octagon, the Stephen Joseph Theatre and Theatre by the Lake and follows the success of 2021’s Home I’m Darling and 2022’s Brief Encounter.

Director Zoë Waterman said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be directing Blonde Bombshells of 1943. We have got a glorious and terribly talented cast; it is such a privilege to work with performers who are not only stunning actors but also phenomenal musicians.

“I can’t wait to get into rehearsals and start bringing the characters to life and weaving the music through the show.

“It is always a joy to make work that celebrates women, and this is no exception - full of hilarious, practical, strong characters who make do and mend as the time dictates and manage to pull an all singing, all dancing performance out of the jaws of an air raid.”

The cast includes Verity Bajoria, Lauren Chinery, Georgina Field, Stacey Ghent, Rory Gradon, Sarah Groarke, Alice McKenna and Gleanne Purcell-Brown.

The creative team includes designer Jess Curtis and musical director Greg Last.

Blond Bombshells of 1943 will open at the Octagon and run from Friday, June 9 until Saturday, July 1. For details, visit www.octagonbolton.co.uk