ONE reason why actress Shirley Anne Field is delighted to be working in Manchester next week is that she can stay with friends in Bolton.

She had also hoped to visit her old school, the former Edgworth Children's Home, now Crowthorn School, but because of her busy schedule she won't have time.

Shirley Anne is a vice-president of the NCH Action for Children (formerly the National Children's Home).

I spoke to Shirley Anne during her tour with Alan Ayckbourn's Absent Friends which opens in Manchester next Tuesday.

This is the first major revival of Ayckbourn's farcical comedy which reveals what happens after a man's fiancee dies and a tea party is held for him.

Shirley Anne plays Dianna, one of the guests at the party.

"In the play we make the journey from comedy to tragedy," she said.

Although she is enjoying the run, Shirley Anne conceded that touring is hard work.

"You never get used to touring" she said. Certainly with two matinees during the Manchester stint, there does not seem too much time to unwind.

Recently she spent a few days relaxing at Bolton's Last Drop Hotel.

Although she has done much theatre work, Shirley Anne's career includes many big screen roles.

At 19, her first major role was with Laurence Olivier in The Entertainer, followed by Saturday Night, Sunday Morning, in which she starred with Albert Finney. Then there was War Lover with Steve McQueen and Robert Wagner.

Her more recent films include My Beautiful Launderette which won Best Film Award, Getting It Right, The Rachel Papers and Hear My Song, anothr Best Film Award winner.

She has great affection for Hear My Song which was about someone purporting to be the singer Josef Locke.

"It is one of my favourite films," she said. "I saw Josef Locke at the Bolton Hippodrome."

After the play's run Shirley Anne will be talking to Miramax, the filmmakers of Hear My Song, about a possible new project involving her.

Among her favourite television roles is Peggy Heart in Bramwell. Her TV work has also included roles in Shoestring, Never the Twain, El Cid and Lady Chatterley's Lover. She also starred with Ian McShane in Madson, playing the role of Elaine.

Also starring in Absent Friends are Christopher Strauli (Only When I Laugh), Shirin Taylor (Coronation Street), David Janson Herr 'Flick from 'Allo 'Allo and Keeping Up Appearances) Linda Davidson ( EastEnders) and Peter Blake (Dear John).

Absent Friends will be at the Palace until May 10.

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