BOLTON’S newest theatre company is currently bringing new life to a classic comedy.

Square Pig Productions is behind Abigail’s Party which is running at Bolton’s YMCA on Deansgate until Saturday.

The company was formed last year by well known figures on the local theatre scene - Fran and Mike Shinks who met while working at the Octagon where Mike was stage manager; director Jason Crompton, current BATS best actor and actress James Haslam and Natalie Crompton and furniture designer Stuart Turrell.

The company took their name as a play on Square Pegs reflecting the various members diverse skills.

James explained why they had chosen the YMCA for the production.

He said: “We’ve seen what amazing professional companies have done with found spaces and we wanted to try something similar. When we walked into the upper hall at the YMCA and saw what an amazing space it was we were blown away by the possibilities”.

The next step was choosing a play and a favourite of all the team and particularly the director, Jason, was Mike Leigh’s seminal comedy Abigail’s Party.

“It’s meant some serious sourcing work for our fantastic props mistress Fran with everything from lava lamps to Demis Roussos vinyl and onyx cigarette lighters!” said Jason, “It’s actually been great seeing the 70s’ vibe start to come through and the cast have been throwing themselves into the all the music of the era as well”.

The cast of five are Beverley played by Sharon Shaw, Laurence – Paul Cohen, Ange – Ruth Syddall. Tony – Paul Ward and Sue – Catherine Henderson. They have all proved more than willing to don the flares ares and the Crimplene in an effort to be authentic.

n Abigail’s Party, YMCA, Deansgate, Bo,ton, until Saturday. Details from www.ticketsource.co.uk/square-pig-productions