Review: Octagon Theatre's production The Time Machine

For the time machine has landed at the Octagon Theatre in a play inspired by the classic HG Wells novel of the same name.

And it is a ride only a fool would miss.

The Original Theatre Company in association with New Wolsey Theatre has brought the production to the stage, a play which is nothing less than brilliant takes the audience on one hell of a whirlwind tour of the past, present and the future - and many other places besides.

The theatre company's productions are always a joy to watch as the society takes a great work of fiction and reworks it to produce a piece of entertaining and absolutely delightful piece of theatre -as in the smash hit The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Now the Octagon Theatre has been chosen to premiere its new production The Time Machine.

A cast of four unbelievably talented actors take the world famous novel and transform  it into a fast-paced riotous play.

And I defy anyone not to absolutely fall in love with the cast.

Their energy is infectious which is at the heart of this quirky but clever production.

Dave Hearn, Amy Revelle, Michael Dylan and Noah Marullo are simply a joy to watch and seem to have as much fun acting out the production as the audience - who are as much a part of the whole unique experience - enjoy watching them.

It is the norm in a review to describe the plotline of a play - however, in this case words literally escape me.

It does, however, start with the discovery of box of Wells belongings and the characters, who are part of a theatre company, decide to bring the novel to the stage rather than the Importance of Being Earnest.

But the play's direction changes as the cast realise The Time Machine prop is not a prop at all.

Cue a bizarrely wonderful play within a play - within a play

Remember this is a (very loose) reworking of the classic piece of fiction and not a stage adaptation, but fans of the novel will not be disappointed.

It is a phrase often overused but this really is a production not to be missed.

There is laughter, there are poignant moments, there are cheers and you will want to go back in time to see this uplifting hilarious production all over again.

The play runs until April 22

Tickets are on-sale now and start from £15.

Find out more and book tickets via the Octagon Box Office on 01204 520661 or at octagonbolton.co.uk