A SOCIETY has seen an influx of new young talent for its most recent production.

The Marco Players is welcoming fresh faces for a powerful tale of deceit, revenge and betrayal.

Players' are taking in Arthur Miller's famous The Crucible.

Set in the 17th century colonial America, Miller adapted the story from the true events in Salem, Massachusetts where suspicions of witchcraft among young girls in a the village turns into frenzied accusations and dragged in dozens of innocent victims.

The Marco Players are no strangers to the playwright's work and director Jason Crompton has performed in the show twice in the past for different societies.

He said: "Typically of Miller, it’s insightful, thought-provoking, and still very relevant and with the strong cast we’ve got, it looks set to be a great production.

"I’ve been particularly impressed with the younger members who have developed their characters so much during rehearsals."

Natalie Crompton, who plays Elizabeth Proctor, agrees. She said: "It’s so good to see new young faces getting involved.

"Our own son was in the last Miller play we did and thoroughly enjoyed it so I hope our younger actors get as much out of it as he did."

Miller famously wrote the play as an allegory of the anti-communist witch hunt led by Senator McCarthy in early 1950s America, where several of his friends fell foul of the tide of rumour and allegation that swept through the country – even Miller found himself accused.

He wrote the play to draw parallels between contemporary events and the real witch-hunt in Salem and its effects on society.

Miller adapted the play himself for film some 40 years later starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder.

Zoe Molyneux, who plays one of the accusers Mary Warren, adds: "It’s wonderful to have such powerful speeches to perform and so refreshing that some of them are delivered by young women.

"That’s something Arthur Miller’s good at, providing strong female characters to get your teeth into."

The Crucible runs from November 29 to December 2 at Stepping Stones Nursery in Chorley Old Road. For tickets call 01204 841561, 07756 510462, or visit www.themarcoplayers.net.