IRISH eyes are set to be smiling at Bolton Octagon during its run of the gruesome black comedy A Skull in Connemara.

The play by Martin McDonagh runs until December 1.

It is set in a tiny churchyard in rural Galway and Octagon bosses are setting the scene in just about every imaginable way.

Each Friday night during the play is run there will be live Irish music playing in the first-floor William Hare Bar. The sound of the bands will be playing before the show, from about 7pm, during the interval and also after the show.

In addition to the sights and sounds of Ireland, there will also be a taste of the country -- with drinks promotions on Guinness and Jameson running. Bands have been hand picked by members of the Bolton Branch of Comhaltas, the Irish Musicians Association. The group based in the town organises weekly music tuition to all ages. Its monthly music sessions held on the third Sunday of the month at the Irish Centre, Lever Street, Bolton, begin at 8.30pm with both musicians and singers welcome.

Musicians featuring at the Octagon are: Clio Cassidy, a soprano from Dublin, currently studying at the Royal Northern College of Music, together with Donald Grant on the fiddle, Natalie Best on the flute and Paul Cowan on guitar -- November 16 and 30; And traditional Irish group Stepping Stones -- November 23.