The Octagon Theatre have announced initial casting for their upcoming production of Spring and Port Wine, coming to Bolton from Fri 3 February – Sat 4 March 2023.
Renowned stars of stage and screen, Mina Anwar and Les Dennis will star as Daisy and Rafe Crompton, respectively. Bill Naughton’s touching and funny light-hearted family drama follows the Crompton family as they struggle to cope with the ups and downs of life in 1960s working class Bolton. The production will be directed by the Octagon’s Artistic Director, Lotte Wakeham.
Mina Anwar returns to the Octagon following her critically acclaimed performance in the theatre’s 2020 production of Shirley Valentine. She also starred as Amma in Life of Pi as well as originating the role of Ray in acclaimed musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, both at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield and their West End Transfers. Other credits include: her breakthrough TV role as PC Maggie Habib in both seasons of BBC One’s sitcom The Thin Blue Line; Coronation Street, ITV; Shameless, Channel 4; The Sarah Jane Adventures, BBC; and Doctor Who, BBC.
On returning to the Octagon, Mina Anwar said: “I’m delighted and excited to be back in Bolton in such a well beloved play. The Octagon Theatre is a magical space. After playing a sold out run of “Shirley Valentine” in 2020, I can’t wait to work with the brilliant Lotte Wakeham again. A community needs a vibrant, brave theatre to tell their stories, and I’m certain this classic Northern play will resonate with the generous Octagon audiences”.
Joining Mina is British TV and theatre stalwart, Les Dennis. The well-loved actor, comedian and presenter became a household name during his 15-years as host of the ITV gameshow Family Fortunes. He is currently playing Grandad Trotter in the West End production of Only Fools and Horses. His extensive theatre credits also include roles at the Royal Shakespeare Company and English National Opera plus the roles of Wilbur Turnblad in the UK tour and West End production of Hairspray The Musical and Uncle Fester in the UK tour of The Addams Family.
Other notable credits include: ITV’s Coronation Street as Michael Rodgers; Birds of a Feather Christmas special, ITV; Moving On, BBC; Pitching In, BBC. Sharing his excitement at starring in the upcoming production, Les Dennis commented: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the cast of Spring and Port Wine. I have been an admirer of the Octagon Theatre for many years and I am excited at the opportunity to be part of this production playing the patriarch in this classic Bolton story.” Full casting and the creative team will be announced shortly.
Synopsis: Rafe Crompton attempts to preside over his family with an iron fist, dispensing order and discipline. However, after a family argument things fall apart over the course of a weekend as his four children try to assert their independence. Last performed at the Octagon in 2008, this brand-new production of the beloved classic is guaranteed to charm and delight audiences in 2023.
Spring and Port Wine comes to the Octagon from Fri 3 Feb – Sat 4 Mar 2023. Tickets start from £15 and are on-sale now.
Find out more and book tickets via the Octagon Box Office on 01204 520661 or at octagonbolton.co.uk
-ENDS-
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