Oldham-born Emmerdale actor William Ash performs Chekhov play in Saddleworth

Oldham-born actor William Ash is bringing his talents back to the local stage with a one-man performance of Chekhov's Vanya at Saddleworth's Millgate Arts Centre next month.

The 49-year-old, best known for playing Caleb Milligan in Emmerdale, will perform the adapted play on April 3 and 4 at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £20 and available through the venue's website.

The production, adapted by Simon Stephens from Chekhov's Uncle Vanya and directed by Tony Mooney, promises a 'tale of love, art, sex and attempted murder' that explores the full spectrum of human emotions.

This isn't Ash's first theatrical venture-he's previously starred in the critically acclaimed one-man play You Can See The Hills at Manchester's Royal Exchange and The Young Vic, as well as Of Mice and Men at the Edinburgh Lyceum.

The performance marks another cultural highlight for Saddleworth, following recent developments like the new market opening and the transformation of brownfield land into housing. For local theatre enthusiasts, it's a chance to see a familiar face from television tackle classic Russian drama in an intimate setting.