Playwright Stephen M. Hornby highlights Bolton link with The Adhesion of Love play at museum

But the thing about the Eagle Street College members was that they were a mix of working-class and upper working-class Bolton men who, through their interpretations of Walt Whitman’s poetry, were able to come close to articulating their true selves.

Conor Ledger’s portrayal of college founder Wallace was superbly credible, whether communicating his realisations, his conflicts or his journey of understanding.

Providing ballast to his philosophising was Gareth George as fellow Eagle Street “student”, Dr Johnson. His sometimes sceptical take on matters helped prevent the play from becoming too esoteric.

Young black actress Billie Meredith played the elderly white Whitman. Far from being an example of fashionable gender-blind casting, such an inversion of expectation served an important function. Whitman wrote of being “all time and all races” and one of his core messages was that love and spiritual connection is the ultimate state, irrespective of gender, sexuality or race. As such, Meredith was a subtle and effective metaphor.

The supporting cast, who doubled-up the roles, were all excellent but special mention must go to Dean Michael Gregory in his incarnation of Sixsmith, the working-class college member. His earthy lust was an effective foil to Wallace’s more poetic take on love.

The play was performed in the museum basement’s lecture room which meant fluorescent lights on audience and stage. But with a play this good, and with such an intriguing story, it proved that good theatre is good theatre irrespective of lighting effects.

There is another performance of The Adhesion of Love at the museum this Thursday.For ticket details please visit Tickets: www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/bolton/bolton-museum-art-gallery/the-adhesion-of-love.On Whitman’s 200th birthday – May 31 – there will be a performance at Bolton Socialist Club.