A LOVE triangle dating back more than a century has been brought back to life on the stage.

Bolton Little Theatre’s Forge is telling the true story of the passionate relationship between Jane Burden, William Morris and Dante Gabriel Rossetti – leading figures in the Victorian artistic movement, the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

In the middle of the 19th century Jane met Morris and Rossetti, marrying one and becoming the muse – and rumoured lover – of the other.

The Earthly Paradise premiered at the Forge in Hanover Street yesterday and runs until Saturday.

Director Sandra Simpson said: “It’s a fascinating love triangle and made all the more so because it actually happened.

“Of course, no one but the three of them knows what actually took place that summer and beyond, but Peter Whelan’s play beautifully captures the passion of the episode in his imagined dialogue.”

The production runs until Saturday and tickets are selling fast.

Written by Peter Whelan, the play takes its name from one of Morris’ epic poems and looks at the period from 1871 when the Morrises and Rossetti rented Kelmscott Manor in Oxfordshire to use as a base for their artistic endeavours.

Morris, though, travelled to Iceland for several months leaving his wife with Rossetti to pose as a model.

Rob Hodson, who takes plays Morris alongside Andrew Swankie as Rossetti, said: “You can’t help but be affected by the sheer emotion of the piece.

“I’ve no idea what it was actually like to be involved in that intense cauldron of passion, but I can get a flavour of it I think from playing Morris.” Tara Haywood, who plays Jane, added: “It’s an ideal piece for anyone interested in either art or drama.

“I can remember being captivated by the story when it was covered in BBC 2’s Desperate Romantics a few years ago.”

Appropriately enough, the foyer of Bolton Little Theatre is serving as a gallery for the run of the play with an art competition based on the themes of the show.

This is a new venture for Bolton Little Theatre, organised by director Sandra Simpson. The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Lynda Byrne, attended the preview to present the prizes.

For tickets, call the theatre box office on 01204 524469 or visit www.boltonlittletheatre.co.uk.