THE play that inspired Coronation Street will have a rare showing as part of Bolton Little Theatre’s celebratory Bill Naughton festival from June 12 to 19.

The “sadly neglected” play June Evening and the better-known All In Good Time will be performed side by side in the main and forge theatres at the Little Theatre.

Andrew Close, who will be directing June Evening, said: “We’ve never tried to have two plays running at once — the place is absolutely buzzing.

“All In Good Time is a massive production, while June Evening is very minimalist.”

Set on a typical Bolton street in the 1920s, Bill Naughton always said that the makers of Coronation Street stole the idea of June Evening to make the popular soap.

Irene Kearney and Sue Gill will be directing All In Good Time.

Irene said: “I love this type of play — you know people who are just like the characters.

“It’s very well written. When you start working with it you realise how well constructed it is. All the characters have great depth.”

So are they at all worried that Naughton’s views might seem archaic to a younger audience?

Andrew Close said: “You do look at the plays and think, ‘How things have changed’. The beauty of it all is the very wide range of people in the cast. It’s a brilliant leveller when you get such a range of ages and attitudes.”

“it’s very down to earth, there’s nothing that is difficult to understand,” adds Sue Gill. “I think the younger audience members will find it very interesting.”

Andrew says: “The writing helps. The characters are so well written and truthful that the work is done for you. It has to be played completely honestly, without any cynicism.”

Tickets for the two productions are on sale now through the Bolton Little Theatre box office, ticketsatbolton.co.uk or by ringing 01204 334400.