THE scene is (almost) set for the Octagon Theatre's next highly anticipated production.

An Enemy of the People, poised to succeed Bill Naughton's The Family Way next month, welcomes back former artistic director David Thacker.

The play, set in Norway, follows a well-respected scientist who makes an alarming discovery that places his local community's livelihood in jeopardy.

Returning to his "second home" following his performance in the theatre's critically acclaimed production of Brassed Off, former Brookside star John McArdle takes the role of the influential Aslaksen, the town's newspaper printer.

John, who is also an Octagon Theatre patron, is no stranger to the town or to working with Mr Thacker — and says he is delighted to be involved.

He said: "I have known David a long while and when he asked me if I was interested in being part of the production I said yes straight away.

"His love of Arthur Miller is well known, so to have the chance to work with him on one is a great honour."

The play features a cast of celebrated stage and television actors and 24 Academy of Live and Recorded Arts North drama students, performing in two groups of 12, bridging the gap between professionals and local new talent.

John said: "We're in the early stages but it's slowly coming together. It's been great so far and it's good to be working with a fantastic mix of actors.

"It's also great to be back in Bolton — it's a bit like my second home. Plus the audience at the Octagon is always warm and friendly."

Theatre veteran Mr Thacker handed the baton to Elizabeth Newman earlier this year following his appointment as professor at the University of Bolton.

An Enemy of the People is the first production in which he links the theatre with his unique new degree course, which enables students to study the critical and practical aspects of theatre in both university and professional settings.

Mr Thacker is presenting Arthur Miller's adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's An Enemy of the People to mark 100 years since the playwright's birth on October 17 1915.

Mr Thacker said: "To celebrate the centenary of Arthur Miller's birth, I am delighted to be sharing this great play with the people of Bolton and the North West. Arthur's version is a very special play for me because it was while working on this play in 1988 that I grew to know him and began my professional relationship with him."

An Enemy of the People is playing from Thursday, October 8 until Saturday, October 31.