The Octagon’s new season launches with The Family Way, a portrayal of family life written by celebrated local playwright Bill Naughton and directed by new artistic director, Elizabeth Newman.
Set in 1960s Bolton, with many references to the town, the play follows optimistic newlyweds Arthur and Jenny Fitton.
Still living in the Fitton family home, the couple’s expectations are slowly becoming as hopeless as their love life. First produced in 1963 under the title All In Good Time, the play was later made in to a film, The Family Way, shot in Bolton and starring real-life father/daughter duo John and Hayley Mills.
The cast here, consisting of first-time performers, award-winning veterans, and Octagon favourites, includes Bolton actress Jessica Baglow and Harry Long in the roles of Violet Fitton and her new husband, quiet, bookish Arthur.
Reunited once again are David Birrell and Barbara Drennan, who played husband and wife in the Royal Exchange’s Sweeney Todd. Here, playing loudmouthed, if harmless, Ezra Fitton and his tough wife Lucy, they complete the Fitton family alongside cheerfully cheeky younger brother Geoffrey, played by Max Runham.
Joining the Octagon for his first time on stage is Akshay Gulati, son of soap star and dancer Shobna Gulati, playing Eddie Taylor. At only 20, he’s the youngest member of the cast and performing in his first professional role.