In November 2014, David Thacker announced that he would step down as artistic director of the Octagon Theatre in Bolton at the end of his current tenure in July 2015 after six years at the venue.

Four months later, the theatre announced that its associate director and head of new writing, Elizabeth Newman, will take over from him.

We spoke to Elizabeth at the Octagon about her new appointment, her ideas for the future of the venue, her campaigning on theatre issues—including speaking in Parliament—and her training and background as a director.

Elizabeth Newman takes over as artistic director of the Octagon from July 2015. Her production of Noël Coward's Private Lives runs in the main house from 26 March to 18 April 2015.

For more information about the Octagon, see octagonbolton.co.uk.