A TENSE psychological thriller will open the new season for one of Bolton's biggest amateur theatre companies.

Bolton Little Theatre is playing with guilt and obsession as it brings Richard Harris’ Dead Guilty to the stage next week.

The production will see actress Kim Armston face some mobility challenges as her character Julia Darrow is plagued by a night time prowler.

She said: "I play part of the play in a wheelchair, and part on crutches, so it's a bit of a challenge.

"Her character, too, is badly traumatised by what happens."

Badly injured after surviving a car crash which killed her colleague, graphic artist Julia is housebound and depressed but things only start getting worse when strange things start to happen in her home.

Julia’s counsellor, Ann, played by Kimberly Riley-Shipperbottom, has to contend with Julia’s mood swings as she deals with the events of that night and their consequences.

And Gary, the home help, played by Matt Rigby, is perhaps a little too eager to assist.

Meanwhile Margaret, the widow of Julia’s dead colleague, seems overly interested in Julia’s story about the crash – leaving audiences wondering if there is more to things than meets the eye.

Finally, events take a sinister turn until Julia and her enemy are locked in a deadly struggle.

Jennifer Lee, who plays Margaret, said: "It’s been a great part to rehearse.

"I can’t reveal the ending but it’ll have you on the edge of your seat, that’s for sure."

Bolton Little Theatre’s seasoned director Peter Scofield takes the reins again for this production.

He adds: "I’ve had an incredibly hard-working cast and crew, and I express my admiration and thanks to them.

"I know our audiences will enjoy Dead Guilty. It’s a brilliant psychological thriller, with a few 'edge of your seat moments', and a terrific start to our new season."

Dead Guilty runs from September 11 to 16 at the theatre in Hanover Street. To book tickets call the Bolton Little Theatre box office on 01204 524469 or visit boltonlittletheatre.co.uk.