Some famous faces attended a Masters’ art exhibition at Bolton Markets on Thursday night.

The exhibition, called Cur(AT)Ed, was set up by postgraduate students at the University of Bolton.

It exhibited the works of 10 students, with disciplines ranging from photography and fine art to various forms of writing.

Attendees included Olivier Award-nominated and ex-Coronation Street actress Margot Leicester, former artistic director of The Octagon David Thacker and actor Daryn Gates, as well as other community figures.

The exhibition included performances from poet Ajaz Qureshi and Gates, who read an extract of Jacob Moyle’s military thriller Warriors, as well as opportunities to take in installations from all 10 students.

Speaking to The Bolton News, David Thacker, who is also a theatre professor at the University of Bolton, praised the exhibition.

He said: “I think it is beautiful and shows the range of talent and abilities of students doing the

“It’s been lovely to come down and see the quality of the work.”

He also sang the praises of Daryn Gates for his work with students.

David said: “He’s a good example of a professional actor. He’s been supportive to the students over a number of years.”

Daryn spoke to The Bolton News about why he decided to help the students out.

He said: “Well I used to be a student myself. The university has professionally driven students with a strong work ethic, it’s a joy to work with them.”

He also spoke about the need for art to be accessible and how the university course ties into that.

He said: “The course encourages students on the theatre course to really learn many different, if not every, aspect of theatre production.

“You want art to be accessible for every walk of life.”

Programme leader for MA Creative Practice at the University of Bolton Nicola Shaw also spoke about the exhibition to The Bolton News.

She said: “The students’ work is fantastic. There’s a sense of being really proud of what they achieved.”

READ: Bolton University postgrad students' show at Bolton Markets

The exhibition opens to the public on Friday, May 27 to Sunday, May 29 from 11am to 4pm.

It at the unit two doors down from H&M in Bolton Markets.