THE 1975 rocker Matthew Healy was in Bolton tonight to cheer on his actress mother Denise Welch in a new play.

The lead singer and guitarist of the indie rock band was joined by younger brother Louis, friends and family to watch The Ancient Secret of Youth and the Five Tibetans at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre.

Matthew said: “It’s great, I always love seeing my mum.

“The play has got quite a tone to it.”

The former Loose Women panellist is appearing as Penny in the funny and moving play about three friends who find a book which promises to reverse the aging process.

Written by Farnworth playwright Jim Cartwright, it also stars former Emmerdale actor Tom Mannion, ex-Coronation Street actor Eric Potts, Lauren Drummon, who has appeared in Waterloo Road, and Matt Tait.

Other famous faces who attended tonight’s production included Catherine Tyldesley, Sue Jenkins and husband David Fleeshman, as well as Sue Johnston and John McArdle, who appeared in Cartwright’s 1989 production of Two at the Octagon and who were reunited with the playwright. 

The Ancient Secret of Youth and the Five Tibetans, directed by David Thacker, is on at the Octagon until May 23.