WITH the start of a new season looming for many of Bolton’s theatre companies, there is always a lot of planning and panicked preparation, but one group in particular is kicking things off with an unusual request!

In Little Hulton, the hunt is on to find a warthog’s head!

Fortunately for any loitering local warthogs, they are not at risk of the chop, as theatre group APeel Drama is seeking out a STUFFED head to play a key role in its next production.

The society is preparing to put on comedy Inspector Drake and the Perfekt Crime which will hit the stage next month.

Director Marc Lyth said: “This is one of the funniest plays I’ve ever read, and I really think we’re going to do it justice. I’ve got a great cast to work with and we need the set and props to be just as good.

“We want all the details to be spot on, and that includes our warthog.

"It’s such an important part of the story that it has to be the best we can possibly get.”

The stuffed head is an essential prop and central to the storyline, being mistaken for the missing wife of the genius Doctor Rupert Short.

Written by David Tristram, the story follows Inspector Drake — the writer’s version of Sherlock Holmes - and is a pastiche of a crime thriller with twists, turns and puns.

APeel are presenting the play as part of the 140th anniversary celebrations for St Paul Peel church, where the church hall has been its home for more than three years.

Marc added: “It’s a play I’ve always wanted to direct.

"The start of the new season will tie in with the anniversary celebrations.”

The production will run from September 22 to 25.

Anyone who can help the group, should contact Marc at publicity@apeeldramagroup.co.uk.