BOLTON actress Maxine Peake was spotted enjoying a performance of a poignant war drama based on a real life story.

The 38-year-old, who went to Westhoughton High School and Canon Slade School, gave a rapturous round of applause to the cast of The Accrington Pals, at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, on Monday night.

It follows the story of the innocent and enthusiastic men who volunteered their services to their country after Kitchener's calls for a New Army during the First World War and the mothers, wives, daughters and lovers they left behind.

Shameless and Silk star Maxine is among the nominees for best actress at the upcoming Manchester Theatre Awards, for her role in Miss Julie, performed at the Royal Exchange.