AWARD winning Matthew Kelly, Urmston born and bred, is to appear in Alan Bennett’s The Habit of Art, at the Lowry.

It is about a meeting between the poet, W. H. Auden (Matthew Kelly) and the composer Benjamin Britten (David Yelland).

The well-known actor and presenter is probably best remembered for his Stars in their Eyes programme.

He said: “Funnily enough, I don’t mind anyone coming up to me and saying “Tonight, Matthew, I’m going to be …..”!

Matthew, the president of Urmston Musical Theatre, realises that people under 25 don’t quite remember his famous entertainment programme.

In any case, he says he prefers live theatre to TV.

“On stage I can do anything,” he said.

“Anything” includes playing poet W. H. Auden, which he appears to enjoy very much.

He said: “He has a razor-sharp wit and we have a similar outlook to work.

“Like him, I have to keep working, not because of the money, but because the theory comes into play that the longer you hang on, the longer you will hang on.

“Otherwise you fall off the perch.”

Matthew is a great admirer of Alan Bennett and was thrilled to be a part of The History Boys in Sheffield.

He added: “Alan Bennet is the finest playwright of our time.”

Although he bought a tightly written book about Auden’s poetry, he admits that he didn’t actually get around to reading it.

He said: “There’s enough information in the play to understand Auden, without having to read any more.”

The Habit of Art is at The Lowry, Salford Quays from Monday, November 12 to Saturday, November 17 at 8 pm.

• For tickets, telephone the box office on 0207 400 1257.