One of the UK's leading theatre directors, David Thacker, is to stage Samuel Beckett’s Happy Days at Bolton town centre’s Library Theatre next month.
Former Artistic Director of Bolton’s Octagon Theatre, David leads the BA (Hons) Theatre and Performance Degree at the University of Bolton.
He will direct one of the UK's leading actresses, Margot Leicester, in an extremely challenging role.
Happy Days tells the story of a couple who have been together for about 40 years and how their relationship has changed like many marriages.
It will be performed from March 19 to April 4 at the Library Theatre in Bolton Museum, Le Mans Crescent.
David said “It is a very human play. A play about relationships. About marriage. About the struggle to find meaning and purpose in our lives. A play about courage and endurance.
“And it’s a very funny, moving, compassionate play. A play for the 2020s.”
The Library Theatre was created 12 months ago in close consultation with Bolton Council’s Library and Museum Services.
David was looking for an alternative venue to stage Arthur Miller’s The Last Yankee due to the temporary closure of the Octagon Theatre for a major refurbishment.
David said: “As a result of The Last Yankee the Octagon decided to present three productions here, Beryl, Seagulls and Shirley Valentine.”
Happy Days has a cast of two – Margot plays the role of Winnie and spends the majority of the play’s almost two-hour running time talking to her largely silent husband Willie, played by John Branwell.
Margot is currently playing in the critically-acclaimed production of Albion at London's prestigious Almeida Theatre.
The production will be staged by a professional quality theatre ‘company’ assembled by David, which will also give University students the unique opportunity to be involved in creating a play from start to finish.
Tickets are available from Bolton Library after 6pm or by contacting Quaytickets. Telephone 0333 320 2894, or online at quaytickets.com.