Theatre review: “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton

It could well be that only seasoned theatregoers with stamina will be able to maintain their concentration along the way but all will be able to maintain some sympathy for the Tyrone family as they try to cope with all the demons that arise from addiction and sickness.

Writing from his own experiences, Eugene O’Neill bares all in terms of the grief, anger, resentment and regrets that engulf the family that is based on his own. His lines are masterfully handled by Brian Protheroe (James Tyrone senior), Kieran Hill (Jamie Tyrone), Margot Leicester (Mary Tyrone) and Mawgan Gyles (Edmund Tyrone). I was particularly impressed by the latter whose facial expressions added an extra level to his performance.

Considered a classic, it is certainly one you can get your teeth into but newcomers to the theatre may find they have bitten off more than they can chew. Still, you’ll never know unless you try!

The play runs until November 2nd. The box office is on 01204-520661.