IT is not often you get to see secret agents and spies causing mayhem in Bolton.

But now audiences can lap up the drama as a group of am dram players' revel in the revival of a vintage classic.

Farnworth Little Theatre will be donning its mac and trilby for its forthcoming musical production of Dick Barton Special Agent.

Based on the 1940s BBC radio serial, secret agent Dick Barton faces a strange adventure when Britain's entire tea supply is threatened to be poisoned.

Director Andrew Close said: "It's a bit like Indiana Jones, every episode of the radio show ended on a cliffhanger and this is the stage version!

"The comedy is very tongue-in-cheek as it's a proper spoof spy story and there are even songs in it.

"There's a big cast of 11 with some of them playing various parts. It's certainly very pantomime-like and because of that's it's great for all ages to get into.

"It's vintage and just good fun!"

The stage musical written by Phil Willmott was premièred at the Warehouse Theatre back in December 1998 to great acclaim and was revived in 1999 before touring Britain between 1998 and 2001.

Its success has spawned a number of stage sequels including Dick Barton Episode III: The Tango Of Terror, Young Dick Barton Episode II: The Devil Wears Tweed, Dick Barton, Quantum Of Porridge and most recently Dick Barton, A Fist Full Of Barton.

Mark Leigh takes on the role of the hero agent soon finds himself wrapped up in an adventure soaked with intrigue and mystery.

He finds himself facing off against arch enemies Baron Scarheart, played by Paul Ward, and fighting off the flirtatious advances of Joy Plowes' Marta Heartburn.

Mr Close added: "It has been very hard work to bring to the stage because it's such a busy show and calls for the cast

Dick Barton Special Agent runs from Saturday to November 18, 7.30pm, and a matinee on November 18 at 2.30pm, at Farnworth Little Theatre in Cross Street. For tickets call 0845 6430808.