Elizabeth Newman appointed as artistic director of Bolton's Octagon

Elizabeth Newman has been named as the new artistic director of the Octagon Theatre in Bolton.

Newman, currently associate director at the venue, will take up the position in July and will replace David Thacker, who is leaving the post he has held since 2009 to become professor of theatre at the University of Bolton.

He will continue to direct at the Octagon as associate artistic director.

Newman studied at Rose Bruford College and has previously been artistic director of Shared Property Theatre Company.

Other projects include directing work at Southwark Playhouse – where she was associate director – Hampstead Theatre and Theatre503.

Newman said the appointment was an “honour” and that she looked forward to “creating new collaborations and building on existing partnerships to ensure the Octagon audience has a nourishing artistic diet”.

Chair of the trustees Margaret Blenkinsop said: “We are delighted to have appointed Elizabeth. She stood out in what was a very tough and competitive selection process and impressed us with her ambitions for the Octagon and her passion for the Bolton community.”