THE new Malvern season starts in spectacular fashion when Nicholas Lyndhurst visits the theatre for the first time in The Dresser.

Also starring Julian Glover, it comes to Malvern from January 24.

One of Britain's best-loved actresses, Susan Hampshire, takes the leading role in Alan Bennett's comedy, The Lady and the Van, from January 31 and, continuing with comedy, Richard Harris' hilarious play Party Piece can be seen from February 14.

Then, from February 22, Alan Ayckbourn's new comedy, Drowning on Dry Land, is certain to make for a hilarious night of theatre.

Russ Abbot, Henry McGee, Sara Crowe and Josephine Tewson star in Oscar Wilde's murderously funny comedy Lord Arthur Savile's Crime from March 28.

Re-live the radio series Round the Horne live on stage from April 18. This riotous theatre version of the classic 1960s show is faithfully adapted for the stage by Brian Cooke.

An exciting season of top quality drama awaits. It begins with Lord of the Flies from February 8, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the novel's publication.

Eileen Atkins and Henry Goodman star in Harold Pinter's masterpiece The Birthday Party from April 4.

One of Russia's leading ballet companies, The Russian State Ballet of Siberia, visits Malvern Theatres for the first time from March 7, bringing with them two fairytale performances, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty.

Opera lovers will be glad to hear that English Touring Opera are to return with two masterpieces, Mozart's Cosi fan Tutte and Donizetti's Mary Queen of Scots. Both can be seen from April 26 and will be sung in English accompanied by a full orchestra.

Van Morrison (Jan 15), Jack Jones (Feb 9), Barbara Dickson (Mar 5), Petula Clark (Mar 9), Killer Queen (Mar 18) and the Dubliners (Apr 16) are some of the musical highlights.

For full details call 01684 892277.