IF you could somehow magically reverse the ageing process, would you?

Judging by the amount of beauty products that promise to firm, lift and de-wrinkle, it is a fair bet that many people would.

Farnworth playwright Jim Cartwright’s wonderfully funny and moving play, The Ancient Secret of Youth and the Five Tibetans, takes a look at what happens when three old friends decide to follow a series of mysterious rituals which promise to turn back the clock.

Husband and wife Penny and Doug, played by former Loose Women panellist Denise Welch and ex-Emmerdale actor Tom Mannion, cannot stand the fact that they are getting older.

The action kicks off on Penny’s 57th birthday, a time that should be a cause for celebration, but sees a series of events unravel which will change their lives forever.

Getting back to her stage roots, Denise puts in a sterling performance as Penny, with some fabulous, feisty moments and lines such as “it gets like extreme sports - all that age defying”.

What is interesting about this play is the view of getting older is also seen from a man’s perspective (as well as his unkind view of his ageing wife) and Tom puts in a flawless performance throughout.

Eric Potts is truly delightful as Henry, bringing to life Cartwright’s creation of the kind of man you would be blessed to have in your life as a father, husband or friend.

Blending warmth with Bolton humour and heartache in the way that only Cartwright can, it was a real treat to see this world premiere on the Octagon stage.

A great and original story, expert direction by David Thacker and a strong cast – completed by Lauren Drummond and Matt Tait - get down to the Octagon before your time runs out.