JP Miller’s dark 1958 television drama, which marries the subjects of alcoholism and dependency, is bravely re-imagined by Owen McCafferty’s 2005 adaptation, in which the central lovers are Belfast natives relocated to London. In the piece the naive young protagonist falls foul of the seductive world of the swingin’ 60s with a husband who willingly allows her fall from grace.

‘Belfast [then] wasn’t as we know it now,’ explains director Kenny Miller. ‘It was still a few steps behind at that time. The play deals with the excitement of her being thrown into a new life.’ Theatre Jezebel never flinch from exploring dark subject matter and this time Miller wanted something Scotland hasn’t seen before. ‘At its roots, it’s about alcohol and persuading another person alcohol is fun. However, there is a serious message about how destructive it is on two people who love each other.’

He adds: ‘It’s difficult onstage to keep the emotional journey going. It’s very important to immerse yourself in what these people are like and we need to go on the rollercoaster ride with them.’

Miller believes the story and script are perfect for his hand-picked cast. ‘It’s a fantastic script and amazing performances from Sally [Reid] and Keith [Fleming]. It’s too good a story not to be told.’

Tron Theatre, Glasgow, Fri 14–Sat 29 Oct.