THE stage is set for the return of Bolton's am-dram scene.

Theatre groups, which form part of Bolton Amateur Theatre Societies (BATS), are preparing to raise the curtain on their first productions after going dark with the outbreak of covid.

Marco Players is bringing the feel good and hilarious The Vicar of Dibley to the stage in November, with Laura Roberts reprising her role as Dawn French's iconic vicar, which she first performed with St Paul's Players Adlington.

Bolton Little Theatre, which has undergone a huge transformation, will be staging Dick Barton Special Agent and Phoenix Theatre Company will be putting on Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men in September.

Walmsley Church Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society is hoping to go ahead with its lavish production of Guys and Dolls in November.

Chairman of BATS, Paul Cohen said: "It is really exciting, we have had regular BATs meetings about plans to come back and it now it is coming together.

"It is fantastic, the enthusiasm is still there and the audience want us to get back.

"We have followed Government guidelines on how to keep ourselves and the audiences safe.

"That has come at a cost, but that cost does not mean anything because at the end of the day we need to get people back.

"We making sure that they are social distanced, Bolton Little Theatre is doing all their plays on the mainstage this season and ensuring that people feel comfortable and it is all spaced out.

Richard Leigh from the Marco Players said: "It's great to be back.

"Many of us have missed the social aspect as well."

During lockdown, Bolton Little Theatre was refurbished.

Richard said: "It was a huge expenditure. The front of house, the toilets and the back stage have all been refurbished."

PLAYS:

The Marco Players are staging The Vicar Of Dibley from 17th to 20th November - a purpose written stage play based on the much loved TV sitcom with Laura Roberts reprising her role as Geraldine GraInger

Bolton Little Theatre is opening the season with the hilarious Dick Barton - Special Agent, a spoof play based on the BBC radio series of the 1940s and 50s. The play will run from September 13 - 18.

The society is holding an open play reading next Monday (14th June) for anyone interested in being a part of the production.

Phoenix Theatre Company is opening its season with John Steinbeck's drama Of Mice & Men, from September 29 to October 2.