WHEN David Thacker directed An Enemy of the People in the West End 30 years ago, he thought he could do no better.

But after reprising the Arthur Miller adaption of Henrik Ibsen's play to mark his centenary year, the Octagon Theatre's associate artistic director is delighted with the results.

And there is no wonder — the play has received positive reviews from critics and theatre-goers alike.

In the play, set in a thriving spa town in Norway, Dr Thomas Stockmann, a well-respected scientist, makes the alarming discovery that the "healing" water in the municipal baths is contaminated and making people sick.

Although David has passed the reins of artistic director to Elizabeth Newman so he can focus on a new venture at the University of Bolton running an MA course in theatre, it is clear that he is thrilled to be back in the Bolton theatre.

David said: "I'm very, very happy with the play. I directed it 30 years ago and it was the first production that I worked on with Arthur Miller. It has a lot of fond memories for me and also that began my relationship with him.

"I was really happy with the last production so I didn't know if I wanted to do it again because I believed it was as good as I could do it. So I was apprehensive about it but I can honestly say that this is a better production.

"I have learned a lot in the last three decades and this cast is every bit as good as the last one I did, which was performed in the West End. I think there are aspects of the play that have become clearer to me this time around and I have a greater understanding appreciation than when I did it before."

Among the cast members are eight young lads who were handpicked by David at an open audition earlier this year to play Dr Stockmann's two sons, Ejlif and Morten.

The theatre regularly offers local talent the opportunity to work alongside professional actors, including the ALRA (Academy of Live and Recorded Arts) North students who are based in Wigan.

David said: "The young lads are doing brilliantly. I am so glad that we have given local young lads the chance to work in a professional setting. I feel it was only fair to pick eight because they were all so good, and they all deserved the opportunity.

"Another thing we have benefitted from is the ALRA students. I have directed four plays which I have included them in including Journey's End, Early One Morning and A View from The Bridge. We have an understanding with Equity that we can use drama students who are in training to play small parts if the play requires it."

Each member of the main cast is no stranger to the theatre — or to David's direction.

He said: "Every single member of the cast has worked here before and has been directed by me with the exception of Harry Long — although he's been in two plays here.

"It's an organic production featuring actors who have grown to understand each other over the years and have a shared philosophy. All the cast apart from about three were in The Family Way and that was a wonderful production. They gelled very well.

"If you're in a hugely successful play which is well-received by critics and peers, then you go into something else, you have a positive mindset straight away. I'm delighted with the results."

An Enemy of the People runs at the Octagon Theatre until October 31.