BOLTON 'S most famous football story will be told at the home of Bolton Wanderers in the Octagon's first play in the theatre's Out and About season.

Former artistic director David Thacker returns to the Octagon to bring back "And Did Those Feet", which will be staged at the Lion of Vienna Suite in the University of Bolton Stadium.

The play was originally produced for the 40th anniversary of the Octagon written by Bolton writers Les Smith, of Early One Morning, and Martin Thomasson directed by Mark Babych in 2007 and 2010.

Set in the build up to the 1923 FA Cup Final ­— the most unmissable football game in Bolton history ­— Bolton Wanderers took on West Ham United at the new Wembley stadium a match making history where a policeman on a white horse famously managed the crowds who spilled over onto the pitch.

And Did Those Feet follows how a group of Boltonian’s lives are transformed by eleven men in white shirts on an unstoppable march to Wembley.

David, who was artistic director at the Octagon Theatre between 2009 and 2015 and is Professor of Theatre Studies course at Bolton University, said: "And Did Those Feet is a love story.

"It’s about a group of passionate Wanderer’s fans and their love of football. It’s also about a young couple planning their wedding in times of great austerity and hardship.

"It’s about the love of parents for their young son who was tragically killed in World War I. And, it’s about two brothers whose love is tested by their political views. But most of all it’s a play rooted in its love for Bolton and it’s people.

"We are bringing the play to Bolton’s home of football. I’m sure those who have seen the previous production will enjoy seeing the play performed overlooking the pitch and stadium. For those who have never seen it, I hope this setting will give the play a wonderful atmosphere."

The squad line up for the play includes Martin Barrass who returns to the Octagon for the third time to play Bob ­—the newsagent determined not to miss the match who walks 212 miles from Bolton to Wembley in clogs.

Playing young Jim who works in Bolton town hall and dreams of revolution will be John Askew and familiar faces to Octagon audiences are Colin Connor ­— who was cast in To Kill A Mockingbird, The Winter’s Tale, Early One Morning, and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall ­— and Barbara Drennan, who was in The Winters Tale, To Kill a Mockingbird and An Enemy of the People, who will play Hilda and Alf the parents of World War I soldier, Billy.

Colin and Barbara won Best Actress and Best Actor at the Manchester Theatre Awards 2015 for their performances in A View From The Bridge directed by David Thacker.

Nathan Ives-Moiba returns to the Octagon after being nominated Best Newcomer Manchester Theatre Awards for Tull in 2014.

Playing Ted and Martha, bride and groom to be who’s wedding day clashes with the big final, are Ciaran Griffiths, who starred in Channel 4's Shameless, and Helen O’Hara who both made their Bolton debuts during the 50th anniversary season of the Octagon.

And Did Those Feet will be staged from Sunday, October 21 to Thursday, November 1 Nov at 7.30pm (7pm Sun 21, Sat 27 & Sun 28 Oct) with matinee performances on Wed 24, Sun 28 Oct at 2.15pm. Ticket prices from £14.50 - £28.50.

For more information visit https://octagonbolton.co.uk/whats-on/theatre/and-did-those-feet/