The Crucible - poignantly as relevant today as it was then.

A powerful production of the classic play has been staged by director Douglas Rintoul, at a time when fake news is once again spreading disinformation causing hysteria — in some cases just like the play spread by those in power - turning neighbour against neighbour and leading once again to the witch hunts, which Miller warned about in his play, written in 1953.

Rintoul's skilful direction of the dark haunting play leads to moments of nervous laughter as the audience refuse to believe that what is unfolding on stage could ever be real — but are very real today as they were then despite reason and logic voiced by Eoin's Slattery's excellent portrayal of John Proctor dictating otherwise.

The simple sets effectively portray everyday life and how hysteria can suddenly without warning takes over a community quickly and powerfully with suspicion falling on everyone in the community, with the most vulnerable in the firing line.

Eoin Slattery's John Proctor is the voice of reason and later being forced to battle with his conscience, a role he portrays with empathy and depth.

Victoria Yeates — Sister Winifred in Call the Midwife — Proctor's wife Elizabeth, gives a most moving performance as she speaking about the David Devlve Giles Corey — the foolish old man who becomes one of the strongest characters in this play.

Charlie Condou — Marcus Dent in Coronation Street — portrays the Reverend Hale, with intensity and emotion as he recognises he has been misled is desperate for justice for those wronged — at the cost of truth.

Rintoul does not hint at the play's parallels with today's society he has no need, it is not lost on the audience.

But it is worth ending with his words in the programme: "There's a palpable sense that this 1950s play is for now" — powerful words from the director of powerful and timely play.

The Crucible is on at the Manchester Opera House and runs until Saturday, May 13.