THE newly-refurbished Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre plays host to the Chicago mob from April 6 to 9.

Oswaldtwistle Players return to the revamped Union Road venue to stage The Resistible Rise Of Arturo Ui, by Bertolt Brecht.

Award-winning actor Chris Knight achieves his long-standing ambition to direct the ‘classic and chillingly funny’ production, while also appearing on stage, and fellow award-winner Paul McGowan plays the lead role of Chicago gang leader Arturo Ui.

Chris said: “I have loved this play ever since I saw it on a school trip to London, with Anthony Sher in the lead role.

"Now I’m directing and appearing in it.

“Set in the late 1920s, Arturo runs his protection racket with a Hitler-like ruthlessness.

"With his murderous gang he takes control of the greengrocery wholesale business in Chicago using extortion and intimidation.

“First Chicago, then Cicero and then... Nothing less than world domination in the cauliflower trade.”

* The Resistible Rise Of Arturo Ui, Oswaldtwistle Players, Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre, Union Road, from Wednesday, April 6 until Saturday, April 9 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6 opening night, and £8 adults, £6 children from Thursday to Saturday, from Accrington Town Hall, the Civic Arts Centre, and Edmundson’s Sweet Shop, Union Rd, online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/oswplayers, or by calling 01254 236057.