See the enemy within

It will be the fourth production of a Miller play directed by David Thacker at the Octagon.

An Enemy of the People was originally written by Henrik Ibsen in response to public outcry against his play Ghosts. It follows Dr Tomas Stockmann, a respected scientist who makes an alarming discovery that places his local community’s livelihood in jeopardy.

With a cast of stage and TV actors, the production includes an additional 24 ALRA North drama students, performing in two groups of 12 on rotation, and also a team of eight young actors auditioned from the community, who will play two young sons.

Rob Edwards returns to the Octagon as Dr Tomas Stockmann. Audience favourite Barbara Drennan will play Katrine Stockmann, and will be joined on stage by David Birrell as the town mayor and Tomas’ brother, Peter.

John McArdle is to play the role of Aslaksen, the influential town’s newspaper printer, accompanied by John Branwell as Morten Kiil.

Thacker said: “Arthur Miller’s version is a special play for me because it was while working on this in 1988 that I grew to know the writer and began my professional relationship with him.

“At a time when people are desperate for politicians to tell the truth, Stockmann’s determination to stand up on behalf of the truth – putting at risk the safety and security of his family – is an inspiration.”

It runs from next Thursday to October 31. Call the box office on 01204 520661 or www.octagonbolton.co.uk