Young Octagon is a well-established training  programme for local young people in Bolton who are aspiring to pursue future careers in acting and performance.  This year participants will be working towards an incredible opportunity, performing The Trials on the Octagon’s main stage in Summer 2026. 
The Trials, written by Dawn King is set in 2024, when climate change has left the earth destroyed. Someone needs to be held to account.  Twelve young people, forced to live with the consequences of the actions of the generations before them,  put adults on trial.  They want to know who was responsible for all of this and how they can make them pay? An uncomfortable but entirely believable show about the challenge of climate change and the power of theatre and young people to make a difference.  
A bold and gripping call to action, this believable but powerful show shines a light on the climate crisis and celebrates the power of young people to shape a better future.
The show will be directed by Young Octagon director Ruth Allison and the Octagon’s Artistic Director Lotte Wakeham. 

Auditions for this year’s Young Octagon, cohort will be held at the Octagon in December but anyone who is interested will need to register before Thursday 20th November 2025.

The 2026 Young Octagon programme will consist of a series of creative and practical sessions delivered through weekly workshops, focused on building skills in professional performance and contemporary, collaborative theatre-making practice, culminating in the performance over the summer. 
 

Gareth Redston, Creative Engagement & Impact Director said; 
“I’m thrilled that we can continue to deliver an incredible platform for young actors and people who wish to develop careers in the creative industries, through our Young Octagon programme.  We know that young people have a crucial role to play in the creative life of our region and nationally.  This Young Octagon cohort will be given an opportunity to showcase their talent at scale, and we can’t wait to meet them at the auditions.”

Ruth Allison, Young Octagon Director said: 
“The Young Octagon company has annually welcomed a large number of talented young people, and it is a pleasure to watch them grow in confidence and as performers. I am thrilled to co-direct this year's cohort, and even more excited that they will have the chance to present their work on our main stage. We believe that 'The Trials' will be a fitting celebration of the young people of Bolton, and will showcase the next generation of northern talent.”

Lotte Wakeham, Artistic Director said: 
“I’m so excited to be working with Ruth and our Young Company in 2026 to bring The Trials to the Octagon stage. When I first saw the show, I was really excited by its energy and the power of the young people to bring the messages to life.  It is the perfect show to be performed by our Young Company and I hope that it will contribute to the debate about climate change, locally and nationally.”

As well as the Young Company cast, the Octagon will be casting six adult roles in February 2026 to be a part of this production. Further information about this opportunity will be shared early next year.