ST JOSEPH’S Players will be chasing a white rabbit this week as their latest show gets under way.

But rather than embarking on a trip to Wonderland, the Leigh theatre group is exploring spirits and comic fantasies in the Mary Chase comedy Harvey.

Harvey is a ‘Pooka’ — a mischievous spirit that manifests itself as a 6ft white rabbit. Only Elwood P Dowd can see Harvey and it is from this that the underlying story of an alcoholic’s friendship with an invisible spirit blends itself into comic fantasy.

Directed by Donna Wood and assisted by Paul Brannigan, the Pulitzer prize-winning play and film was written in the 1940s to lift people’s spirits after World War Two.

Donna said: “Harvey is a Pooka, or mischievous spirit, that manifests itself as a 6ft white rabbit.

Donna said: “Elwood is seen as insane by his sister, niece and the public and yet he is not angry, aggressive or violent. He is a happy, cheerful and extremely pleasant gentleman who takes great pleasure in trying to make other people happy, with the aid of his friend.

“Elwood highlights this in a very moving speech that brings a lump to my throat, not because it is sad but because it is so innocent. To me, Harvey has a message for us all: Elwood P Dowd does not see life as it is, but life as it should be. Shouldn’t we all see life like this?”

Tickets are on sale at Ratcliffe's Bike Shop in Bradshawgate, Leigh. Or can be bought on the night.

The play will run from Tuesday, October 13 to Saturday, October 17, starting at 7.30pm at St Joseph’s Concert Hall, Chapel Street, Leigh.