Bolton Little Theatre (BLT) brings a very human story to the stage in Tom Wells’ funny and tender play ‘The Kitchen Sink’.

Staged in the intimate Forge Theatre space at BLT, it looks set to become one of the standout successes of the season.

“It’s all about finding the courage to face change”, says director Simon Mott, ”and also, perhaps, the enduring strength of family bonds.”

The story is set in a small Yorkshire town and centred around the travails of one family ­— Martin, Kath, and their two children Sophie and Billy.

“He’s just an ordinary bloke, “says Darren Brierley who plays Martin, a local milkman, who’s seeing all his customers desert him for the supermarket, “but unfortunately things aren’t going that well for him - on top of everything else his milk-float is falling apart!”

His dinner-lady wife Kath, played by Catherine Henderson, has her own troubles.

“She seems to spend every day battling with the kitchen sink.” Says Catherine, “And without much success it has to be said.”

Their son Billy, played by newcomer Connor Beckwith, is pinning his hopes of a place at Art College on a portrait he has painted of Dolly Parton. Meanwhile their daughter Sophie, played by Chelsea Blundell-Nelson, is dreaming of becoming a Ju-Jitsu teacher. Enter Pete, the shy, young plumber who has his heart set on Sophie, and the scene is set for Tom Wells’ warm and witty play.

“He’s a lovely character to play,” says Joel Cheetham, who plays Pete, “and there are some really touching moments amid the humour.

Although he really likes Sophie, he has far too much respect for her to actually do anything about it.” “It probably helps that we’re actually engaged to each other in real life!” adds Chelsea.

“Tom Wells has a wonderful knack of writing irresistibly warm, tender plays that seem to ring true - as well as being very funny,” says Simon, “His characters always seem very real and down-to-earth, and he sprinkles his writing with little throwaway humorous lines that are an absolute joy to direct.”

‘The Kitchen Sink’ runs until Saturday, January 28 at 7.30 pm with a matinee on Sunday, January 22nd at 2.00 pm at Bolton Little Theatre, Hanover Street, Bolton BL1 4TG.

For tickets visit www.boltonlittletheatre.co.uk or ring 01204 524469.