PLAYWRIGHT Bill Naughton's work is back in Bolton as The Family Way returns to the stage.

Set in 1960s Bolton, with many references to the town throughout, the play follows optimistic newlyweds Arthur and Jenny Fitton, who are young, in love, and excited to embark on the rest of their lives together.

First produced in 1963 under the title All In Good Time, the play was later made in to a film, The Family Way, shot in Bolton and starring real-life father/daughter duo John and Hayley Mills.

Director Elizabeth Newman said: “I fell in love with The Family Way during an Octagon Investigate Day five years ago, because it’s so heartbreakingly perceptive. It’s a play that speaks to everyone on so many levels, dealing with those everyday household quirks that are familiar to us all in a way that is brilliantly funny and moving.

"The choice to direct The Family Way came from a very personal desire to thank the people of Bolton. I hadn’t been appointed Artistic Director when we made this programming decision, but at the time I felt I had burning need to share with our audiences what I’d learnt from my time working for them in their wonderful theatre.”

The cast consists of first-time performers, award-winning veterans, and Octagon favourites, including Bolton actress Jessica Baglow and Harry Long and in the roles of sweet Violet Fitton and her new husband; quiet, bookish Arthur.

Spamalot actor David Birrell and Octagon regular Barbara Drennan play loudmouthed Ezra Fitton and his tough wife Lucy, alongside younger brother Geoffrey, played by Hollyoaks star Max Runham.

Joining the Octagon for his first time on stage is Akshay Gulati, son of soap star and dancer Shobna Gulati.

Completing the cast is Kathy Jamieson, Colin Connor, Marc Small, Anna Wheatley and John Branwell.