AMERICA'S 1950s Deep South is the setting for the Marco Players next production.

The theatre company is bringing Tennessee Williams' drama Orpheus Descending to the stage.

A love story set amidst the rising racial tensions of the day, it is a play the society has wanted to bring to stage since seeing it at Royal Exchange Theatre starring Imogen Stubbs.

Natalie Crompton, who play the leading role of Lady Torrence, said: "I love this play, and I think it is really relevant to today with everything that is going on as well as being a really good girls' night out.

"When you mention Tennessee Williams people think of Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, but this play has been made into a film with Vanessa Redgrave and also starred Helen Mirren on the stage.

"The characters are very different to the characters you expect from Tennessee Williams. Lady, an Italian, is very feisty and strong."

She added: "The play is being directed by James Haslam. It is his vision, and he has wanted to do it after seeing it at the Royal Exchange Theatre."

The play is set in a store and centres on a handsome drifter, Val Xavier who meets Lady Torrence, who is in an abusive relationship. What starts as a friendship develops into a romance in a small town.

"It is a love story between the two," said Natalie, "Deane Dixon-Foster plays Val. He won the best supporting actor in the Greater Manchester Drama Awards.

"He wants to be an actor and is absolutely amazing. I think one day I will be able to say I acted with him."

Natalie said the supporting cast provide humour in the way of being small town gossips, while also giving an powerful insight into the racism of the day.

The play opens on November 28 and runs until December 1 at Stepping Stones Community Hall, Chorley Old Road, Bolton.

For tickets ring 01204 841 561, 07756510462 or by emailing tickets@marcoplayers.org.

Performances start at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £8.