Farnworth Little Theatre is staging one of American playwright Arthur Miller’s most critically acclaimed plays.

Death of a Salesman will be performed at Farnworth Little Theatrefrom Saturday 18 May to Saturday 25 May.

Marking the end of the 2023-24 season, Farnworth Little Theatre will share their interpretation of the 1940s classic in the round at their Cross Street venue.

Death of a Salesman premiered on Broadway in February 1949 and ran 742 performances.

It won the 1949 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Award for Best Play.

The Bolton News: Picture by Adrian MottramPicture by Adrian Mottram

It is a two-act tragedy set in late 1940s Brooklyn. The story is told through the memories and dreams of main character Willy Loman, a travelling salesman who is unhappy in life and appears to be slipping into senility.

The play addresses a variety of themes, such as the American Dream, truth and infidelity.

The playwright Arthur Milleris best known for combining socio-political awareness with a realistic portrayal of his characters’ inner lives.

Miller was often in the public eye, particularly during the late 1940s and 1950s, and married Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe in 1956.

The director Stephen Davies presents this as his first time directing at Farnworth Little Theatre, having previously directed for Summerseat Players at Theatre Royal Ramsbottom.

Stephen said: “My first interaction with Arthur Miller’s classic play Death of a Salesman came in the form of an English lesson at high school. An enthusiastic and passionate teacher brought all the characters to life whilst slowly unpicking the intricate web of Miller’s narrative.

The Bolton News: Picture by Adrian MottramPicture by Adrian Mottram

“I am incredibly honoured to be directing this piece of theatre and have been privileged to work with an incredibly committed and talented cast. This has allowed us to really explore the text and present it in a ‘stripped back’ format. No complicated set, just characters and minimal distraction.”

The cast includes John O'Connell as Willie Loman, Joy Plowes as Linda Loman, Sam Cooper as Biff, Michael Bowers as Happy, Chris Elkes as Uncle Ben, Ben Ventris as Uncle Charlie, James Haslam as Bernard, Emily Kay as The Woman, Joe Beck as Howard Wagner and Ben Cautley as Howard’s Son.

Farnworth Little Theatre is an amateur theatre group based in Farnworth that has been running for an impressive 74 years.

Death of a Salesman will run from Saturday,May 18 May to Saturday, May 25 May with a matinee at 2pm on 25 May.

Tickets are £10 full price / £8 concession and are available online at www.farnworthlittletheatre.co.uk or by calling the Box Office line on 0845 643 0808.