IT is 80 years since Graham Greene wrote Brighton Rock but Chris Jack who stars in a new stage version of the classic novel which is heading to the Lowry next week believes that it remains as relevant as ever.

The production has been commissioned by the Lowry as part of its Week 53 Festival and ends a UK tour at the venue.

The story follows two teenagers - Pinkie and Rose - as they become involved in a vicious gang war. As one murder leads to another and the police seem unwilling to get involved, one mum, Ida Arnold, decides to make a stand.

“The main character I play is Phil,” said Chris. “He’s a loveable guy who has lost his wife only four weeks before when we first meet him so he’s in the grieving process. And then he meets Ida and becomes besotted by this whirlwind of a woman. He’s a lovely character to play.”

This new production has been adapted by Tony Award nominee Bryony Lavery.

“The combination of Graham Greene’s writing and Bryony’s writing has brought it into 2018 and it could certainly have been written for today,” said Chris.

“I think it particularly appeals to a younger audience who see many elements which they can relate to.

“We still live in a world where there is a gang culture in certain places and people get caught up in the wrong things. There is a message in there somewhere.”

Chris said that he jumped at the chance to be part of the production.

“When I was at school, Brighton Rock was one of those books quite a few people knew about but had not necessarily read,” he said.

“It has been a long time since I have done a play with such gravitas; which has a thriller aspect and also has that dark, romantic side to it as well.”

Originally from Leicester, Chris studied at Salford University and made Manchester his home.

“To be bringing the production to the Lowry is, for me, like coming full circle,” he said.

“When I started acting in 2000, I did my showcase at the Lowry, I got an agent from that and went round the country working with different theatre companies, on TV and radio and now I’m heading back there which is lovely - it’s like coming home

“I had my graduation pictures taken at the Lowry when there was just the theatre there and everywhere else was a barren wasteland - it was well before the shopping centre and everything else that has come along.”

The production features a musical score composed by Hannah Peel.

“Hannah’s music an integral part of the show,” said Chris. “It has that 1930s’ element with 2018 feel as well. Even in rehearsal when we heard different pieces of music we were all in awe. It is so atmospheric.

“There are certain scenes where the music holds you on its own then you have the added layers of movement and dialogue. It really lifts you as an actor.

“There is a rhythm that comes from the music and that adds so much – in football terms it would be the 12th man.”

Chris hopes that the updated storyline and innovative staging will captivate a new theatre audience.

“We know that there will be some people coming to the show who will be in a theatre for the first time and hopefully this production will speak to them,” he said. “Even if only one or two kids come away thinking they would like to to see another show, then we have done our job.

“That’s how I got into acting. I went with school to see Julius Caesar at the RSC and Hugh Quarshie’s performance inspired me to get into acting.”

Brighton Rock, the Lowry, Salford Quays, Tuesday, May 22 to Saturday, May 26. Details from 0843 208 6005 or www.thelowry.com