IT IS almost 40 years since Huddersfield Thespians last staged Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.

But it is doubtful that when the play opens for a second time in the town next week that it will cause quite the same headlines that it did in 1973.

For when the company first staged Edward Albee’s powerful and disturbing Sixties’ play, some in the audience found its content overwhelming – and walked out.

The Examiner’s reviewer however backed the production saying it was well worth seeing.

He was dismayed at the fuss saying “it was a pity that some left early with very definite views on the play because local theatre is rarely so rich.”

And the reaction of some audience members brought a lengthy comment in the newspaper’s editorial which in effect asked, is the town ready for this kind of drama?

“Were they right to assume that the only people who attend the theatre in Huddersfield are sufficiently mature or worldly wise to appreciate a devastating psychological drama such as Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?” it asked.

“Perhaps they did not realise that the impact of this play in the ‘live’ theatre would be overwhelming for some, far more so than if seen on television or in the cinema.”

These are comments that seem extraordinary today. Having said all of that, the comment writer went on to insist that local theatre must continue to try its hand at plays which were “not always suitable for Aunt Edna” and to prove that “local talent is capable of rising to the more demanding requirements of adult drama as the Thespians, by all accounts, have proved magnificently.”

How times have changed. The play that cause such a stir almost 40 years ago is now seen as a theatre classic.

In its time, the early years of Sixties America, its portrayal of a dysfunctional middle aged couple whose vitriolic verbal battles underline their emotional dependence on each other, almost heralded the dissatisfaction and unease already being felt in American society.

Today, the piece still has powerful things to say about relationships and about our expectations. About what happens to people when the illusions which previously gave their lives meaning, are shattered.

Much has changed in society and what we expect from our theatre today.

But Albee’s play continues to offer riveting and powerful theatre which still has the power to move and disturb.

The Thespians have entrusted the new production, which opens in the Lawrence Batley Theatre’s Cellar space on Tuesday, to the same director who produced it so successfully all those years ago.

Keith Royston is a vastly experienced director whose reading of a play’s intricacies and undercurrents has long made him a director of great sensitivity.

But next week, his talents will be tested even more.

Due to ill health, the actor who was to have played history professor George, who with his wife, Martha, forms the couple at the heart of this extraordinary drama, has pulled out.

And with just days to go to opening night, Keith has stepped in. He will take over the role which is not just emotionally demanding but a bit of a marathon. It’s a huge part.

Ken Greenwood, one of the area’s most experienced actors, remembers playing George first time round with Keith as director.

“It was the most difficult thing I have ever had to learn,” he said.

“I can’t say that it was enjoyable to learn. It was hard work. But if ever I had to stick a performance in a frame, then it would be this one.”

Keith will be on stage alongside Christine Davies as Martha, Dean Robson as ambitious young biology professor Nick and Charlotte Cooper as his wife, Honey.

If Keith needs a script, there will be one at hand. Who could but applaud his dedication to his cast and his decision to take on this huge challenge in order to let his fellow actors entertain us with the performances they have worked so hard to perfect.

Performances are at 7.15pm and there is a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm.

Tickets from the box office on 01484 430528.