THE devil will be visiting a town centre church while bodies are popping up all over the place in Tyldesley next week.

On any other day these events would sound apocalyptic but they are just a regular night out for the local drama scene with two societies preparing to hit the stage from Tuesday.

URC In Bolton the Beelzebub will be popping into St Andrew and St George’s but parishioners need have no fear.

He will be in the guise of Mephistopheles in Opera 74's production of Faust, the popular opera by Charles Gounod.

Under the direction of Nigel Machin and musical director Daniel James the church in St George’s Rd will be transformed into a village where devilish acts take place – but good ultimately triumphs over evil in this morality tale of desire and lust for power.

Blackpool tenor Chris Dodd plays the disillusioned scholar who sells his soul to the devil, Mephistopheles, played by Kenton Mann, who promises Faust a return to his youthful self and the enjoyment of earthly pleasures in exchange for his immortal soul.

The show also welcomes newcomer April Grime as Marguerite, the innocent young woman who is the object of Faust’s desire.

There will be two performances on September 29 and 30 at 7.15pm. Tickets are available on 01204 439263.

Meanwhile multiple dead bodies are making it difficult to sell a house in Tyldesley

Beyond a Joke is Tyldesley Little Theatre's first production of the new season running from September 26 to 30.

If follows Andrew and Jane as they try and move out of an accident prone house.

Director Connor Parkinson: "We at Tyldesley Little Theatre are excited to kick off our 97th season with a bang and give the audience a frantic but thrilling comedy.

"The comedy escalates in the play as the characters each try to figure out each impeding incident and attempt to avoid it. With hilarious consequences.

"As a first time director I can safely say that this production has been amazing to watch develop and I only hope the audience get as much enjoyment out of watching as we have out of performing it."

A number of people have died in the home in unfortunate circumstances and when their daughter’s boyfriend Geoff - played by new-comer Joe Wellington - arrives, things really start to get difficult.

The comedy also stars the Lemon Street theatre favourites Alex Clarke and Joyce Elder in the roles of Andrew and Jane.

Shows start at 7.30pm at the theatre in Lemon St, Tyldesley. Tickets are available on 07845105195 or at www.tlt.org.uk.