A UNIVERSITY of Bolton alumni is taking centre stage tonight in a new play.

Louise Wilson, from Morris Green, will be starring as Ellie in the new comedy-drama, Fred.

The acting star has already featured in several productions, including Coronation Street, Sweeney Todd at the Octagon Theatre, and Bleeding with Mother.

Speaking ahead of her performance, Louise said: “I’m really excited to star in Fred and it’s great to be back after Covid.

“It’s fantastic to be able to perform in front of a live audience again. I think it gives you a real thrill.

“Tickets are starting to sell really well now.

Louise recently wrote and performed an online monologue, in response to the Handforth Parish Council online saga, called Julie’s Ipad.

A sequel to the first monologue will be coming soon.

The play tells the story of a couple, who begin to tire of mundane, married life and decide to go to counselling.

However, the usual counsellor is replaced by an unfamiliar face and the plot starts to take some unexpected turns.

The production also stars Steve Connolly, who plays the role of husband Danny, Karen Allen, who stars as wife Trish and John Mackie, who plays the role of the counsellor, Mark.

Playwright Helen Connolly said: “I’m incredibly excited and can’t wait to see it.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what the actors bring to the performance.

“I started working on the play during lockdown.

“Lockdown made me a lot more creative.

“I used to write short stories but I had a lot of spare time so I decided to try something new.

“It wasn’t initially long enough to be a full-length play.

“But I trialled it on actors after lockdown and decided to make it into a longer production.”

“Things start off as fairly normal in the play and then the plot twists begin.

“However there are moments of comedy dispersed throughout.”

Helen is currently doing a masters degree in Scriptwriting.

Performances are taking place tonight, on Wednesday and on Thursday at The Kings Arms in Salford at 7.30pm.

Tickets for the production can be purchased at the door and online via https://www.ticketweb.uk/venue/the-kings-arms-salford/435105.