Theatre review: An Enemy Of The People at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton

The Octagon brings out its “big hitters” (and I am sure the cast will forgive me that description) for what is a big hitter of a play.
(L-R) David Birrell as Peter Stockmann and Rob Edwards as Tomas Stockmann. Photo credit: Ian Tilton.(L-R) David Birrell as Peter Stockmann and Rob Edwards as Tomas Stockmann. Photo credit: Ian Tilton.
(L-R) David Birrell as Peter Stockmann and Rob Edwards as Tomas Stockmann. Photo credit: Ian Tilton.

David Birrell and Rob Edwards give Masterclass performances as Mayor Peter Stockmann and the Mayor’s brother and adversary Doctor Tomas Stockmann, while Barbara Drennan is as exemplary as usual in the role of Tomas’s wife Katrine. Colin Connor, meanwhile, is in the surprisingly minor role of The Drunk, but still carries it off to perfection.

The play itself revolves around a discovery by Doctor Tomas that places his local community’s livelihood in jeopardy. In his struggle to do the right thing, Dr Stockmann risks everything.

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Arthur Miller adapted Henrik Ibsen’s play “with the hope of illuminating what can happen when a righteous mob starts marching,” and he certainly succeeds there. As the good doctor is eventually branded “An Enemy Of The People” one is left asking: With enemies like these, who needs friends?

The play runs until October 31st with tickets available on 01204-520661.

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