APPEARING in the Octagon Theatre's production of Neville's Island is bringing back memories for actor Robin Bowerman.

The play is about four businessmen who are marooned on an island in the middle of Derwentwater.

Robin said that something similar happened to him and his wife, Elaine, on their honeymoon "some time ago".

They took out a motor boat on Derwentwater on a windy day and after about 15 minutes the motor stopped when they were in the middle of the lake.

"We tried to get it going without success and then started waving and shouting for help. But everyone ignored us."

Finally a sailing boat stopped and decided to give them a tow.

"Because of the wind we were all over the place and the boat's crew -- a group of Germans -- thought it was hilarious and started filming us."

"We were both completely sodden," Robin said.

That experience should stand him in good stead for the Octagon's production during which the actors get wet through in the "lake" which has been built on stage.

Robin was recently at the Octagon in the play Perfect Pitch and before that was in Rebecca at Oldham Coliseum.

He has appeared in a number of television series including Heartbeat, Emmerdale and Eastenders.

Stranded with Robin on Neville's Island is Tony Whittle who, although born in Salford, attended St Cuthbert's School, Bolton, for a year. His parents live at Harwood.

Tony recently played Stuart Leigh, the builder, in Coronation Street.

The third of the marooned men, John Flitcroft, is no stranger to Octagon productions. He played in the Wizard of Oz and the Daughter in Law.

He has many relatives in the Bolton area.

Finally, there is Robert Pickavance who was co-founder and associate artist between 1983 and 1998 of Communicado Theatre, Edinburgh. He has also directed for the Dukes Theatre, Lancaster.

At the Octagon, he has appeared in Hansel and Gretel, A Christmas Carol and Norman Conquests.

Neville's Island runs until April 22.

For a full review of the play don't forget to read tomorrow's BEN Internet pages

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