HAVING directed plays in a prison and a cathedral, Professor David Thacker is no stranger to unusual venues.

So staging the northern premiere of an Arthur Miller play in the basement of Bolton Library poses no worries for him.

“The great thing about theatre is you can do it anywhere and the library’s basement lecture theatre is a beautiful, intimate space,” he said.

Prof Thacker will stage The Last Yankee in the newly named Bolton Library Theatre from February 28 to March 16.

The former artistic director of The Octagon now leads the BA (Hons) theatre and performance degree at the University of Bolton and students have been able to shadow the production, gaining valuable experience to enhance their learning.

He thanked The Octagon and Bolton Council for helping to create the “wonderful opportunity”.

The production will be produced by the University of Bolton in partnership with Bolton Council and the Library and Museum Services, and is supported by The Octagon Theatre.

Celebrating the cultural development, Roddy Gauld, The Octagon’s chief executive, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity and I’m really excited about converting the library’s lecture room into a theatre.

“This is going to be a world-class production with a calibre of cast that is second to none.”

Mr Gauld added: “Whilst the Octagon is out and about during our redevelopment, I’m thrilled that audiences can continue to enjoy outstanding theatre made in Bolton.”

Cllr John Byrne, executive cabinet member for culture, youth and sport, said: “It is really important that we celebrate a new play in a new venue, This project showcases how we’re building the town up culturally.”

He added: “The Library Theatre will be a great new venue to stage the play and the audience will be so close to the action, it’s a chance not to be missed.”

It is hoped the Library Theatre — which has a 180 people capacity — will go on to be used by amateur theatre groups and university productions in the future.