AWARD winning actress Christine Moore began her theatrical career in Bolton . . . and returns next week as a "silly cow".

But far from being offended, Christine is delighted with her title.

She is playing the lead role in the Bolton Octagon's first home-made production of the new season.

Silly Cow is by Ben Elton, and refers to main character, Doris Wallis, a brassy and vicious tabloid hack.

In the comedy Elton pokes fun at the media and the world of celebrity.

Christine described her delight at being offered the part. She said: "I said yes to it because I wanted to be Doris Wallis. The part gives me a fantastic opportunity to play such a bitch, cow and all-round nasty person.

"She is so completely over the top, like nothing I have ever played before.

"That was my immediate impression after a quick read through. Then I had a second proper look and I realised just what a funny piece it was."

Christine stars in Silly Cow alongside Alan Rothwell, last seen in Bolton appearing in the Octagon's 30th anniversary production of Annie and Fanny from Bolton to Rome, and prior to that The Importance of Being Earnest.

He said: "I did not realise how funny this play was until I heard the words coming out of other people's mouths. I recognised my part as being one I would really enjoy playing.

"The play is very sharp, very pacy and bears all the hallmarks of Ben Elton."

Christine added: "In it he attacks the press, and also the whole world of celebrity -- the way in which it is the new rock and roll."

Alan agreed: "It also looks at the public and the responsibility it should have. It looks at the ways in which the newspapers are getting more wicked and vitriolic. It is very funny. The second half in particular is very fast and furious. The audience can expect belly laughs." Both Christine and Alan are familiar faces on theatre, television and radio. Alan is particularly well known for his role as Ken Barlow's brother in Coronation Street, and has also made appearances in Brookside, among many others.

But ask which medium he prefers working with and the answer is theatre every time.

He explained: "The audience is there in front of you. You are there telling the story as the actor and you are in the audience's hands. It also gives you freedom to create and work with the audience."

Christine said: "You never get bored. It is different every night. The audience changes and that alters everything.

"My very first job as an actor was here in Bolton in 1975. I have been back a few times since. I can honestly say the Octagon is one of my favourites. There is something about it. It has character and the space in itself is intimate. I like to see the whites of the audience's eyes when I am on stage."

One of Christine's greatest successes was as Shirley Valentine at the Octagon. She said: "Doing Shirley here was a joy. The audience responded so much, even answering me back on stage. I could play with them. Then afterwards, I could be walking around the town and people would stop me and want to talk about the play, which was great."

And what of the differences between audiences in the North and South?

Alan said: "A London actor came to appear in a play in Oldham which I was directing. He summed it perfectly.

"He said the people who were buying tickets to see the show were not necessarily 'play-goers' -- they were simply the people in Oldham that came to the theatre.

"In other words there were no luvvies -- and I think the same pretty much applies to Bolton."

The play runs from September 27 to October 20. Tickets are from 01204 520661.