DENIS Beardsworth is back on the "Straight and Narrow", due to appear in his first major role for Tyldesley Little Theatre since playing the part of a crooked solicitor 12 months ago.

work commitments had prevented Denis from undertaking a principal role in last year's pantomime, and although he did direct the thriller Underground last year, it was a struggle.

However, thanks to a change of job, Denis is back, and will appear in the Theatre's production Straight and Narrow by Jimmie Chinn.

TLT's first production of the season opens on September 25 and runs for five nights.

It is a bold and refreshing comedy. The two main characters, Bob and Jeff, are partners in work, rest and play, who struggle to keep their personal problems just that due to the manic attentions of an impossible mother, two sisters and their bemused husbands.

In addition to Denis the cast consists of Ian Taylor, Mike and Hazel Rimmer, Ingrid Folkard-Evans, Winnie Beatty and Tony Thompson.

David Hadcroft is director.

He has been a member of TLT for 24 years -- despite being aged only 33!

During his time with the theatre he has acted in more than 60 productions and has been directing since 1989. However, this will be his first time as director since 1999, when he took charge of a successful revival of Arsenic and Old Lace.

Tickets for the show are on sale from 01204 655619 or 01942 886908. DIRECTOR'S CHAIR: David Hadcroft BACK ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW: Denis Beardsworth (right) with Mike Rimmer