John McArdle is returning to the stage of Bolton's Octagon Theatre for the first time in 17 years. He spoke to us.

CONSIDERING his vast experience on both TV and stage, it is surprising when John McArdle admits that his latest role at Bolton's Octagon Theatre has made him a little apprehensive.

"For the first time I will be singing and dancing on stage," he said in his familiar Scouse tones. "It's one of the few things I've never done."

John is appearing in Oh What A Lovely War which opened last night, part of the Octagon's 40th anniversary season.

"The main character I play is that of the MC who guides the audience through the first half of the play," he said.

Oh What A Lovely War courted a mass of controversy when it was first performed in the West End in the early Sixties and John believes that the blend of comedy, music and commentary on the First World War still has as much impact with a modern theatre audience.

"It's a bit like the final episode in Blackadder," he said. "It truly is full of pathos and turns the audience in an instant from laughing and enjoying the songs of the soldiers in the trenches to a shock realisation of the full horrors of war."

John is not the only well-known name in the production. Matthew Kelly will be performing alongsie his son Matt Rixon, an Octagon regular, for the first time, and Jeff Hordley, formerly Cain Dingle from Emmerdale, will also be appearing.

"It is a great cast to work with," said John, "but there is no lead in this show. We all respect each other as actors and it is very much an ensemble piece.

"When I first read the script through it is very difficult to appreciate how good it is. It is only when you get out on to the floor to rehearse does it truly come alive."

For John, the production has a particular poingancy.

"My grandfather was killed during the Battle of the Somme," he said, "he was in a regiment that went to fight from Southern Ireland."

John, who lives in the Ribble Valley with his actress wife Kathy Jamieson, is looking forward to the intimate atmosphere of the Octagon.

"It really is a great theatre for an actor," he said. "The audience is so close. Everyone thinks I have worked there a lot but I have only been in one previous play, Two by Jim Cartwright (with then fellow Brookside co-star Sue Johnston).

"I remember one night there was an elderly lady in the audience and she started to interview me during the play. She was on the front row and I was only a foot away from her and she kept asking me questions about Billy Corkhill."

In spite of the serious message behind Oh What A Lovely War, John believes it is a production which will have huge appeal.

"It is a really entertaining production," he said.

"We sing many of the songs of the First World War and there are some very funny moments in it as we tell the story of these lads who go off to fight.

"It's the play's great strength that you can have all this enjoyment and yet retain a serious message."

Oh What A Lovely War is at Bolton's Octagon Theatre until Saturday, November 17. Details from the box office on 01204 520661.