REVIEW: I Just Stopped By To See The Man, Bolton Octagon until October 15

THIS was simply one of the most compelling dramas I have ever witnessed writes Andrew Moseley

Stephen Jeffreys' intense dialogue gradually reveals the huge chasm in the backgrounds of blues legend Jesse "The Man" Davidson, his black power campaigner daughter Della and rock star Karl, whose lives somehow become entwined.

Wyllie Longmore gives an immense performance as Davidson, who is brought back from the "dead" when he is discovered by hero-worshipping Karl, whose band is in town.

James Clyde, as Karl, provides a brilliant balancing act between a caricature of rich white boy rock star and genuine fan who wants to discover the heart of this music and bring Jesse back into the limelight.

But does he have the right to sing the blues? Can a boy from Surrey really feel this music? And, most importantly, did Jesse really sell his soul to the Devil in order to become the greatest blues guitarist of his generation?

Then there's the added complication of Jesses daughter, who is on the run but feels threatened by her fathers leap back into the limelight.

As the drama unfolds and untold secrets are revealed, Hannah Lockerman grows in stature as Della.

As usual, Mark Babych's direction is superb, the Octagon set is fantastic and heartstrings are pulled to breaking point.

This production of I Just Stopped By To See The Man is in a different class.