The Christmas mood is prolonged at Malvern Theatres with Wynward Browne's 'The Holly and the Ivy' opening the new season from January 14-18.

Starring Tony Britton this winter drama is set in a snow captured vicarage in Yorkshire on Christmas Eve 1947. Family squabbles and astonishing revelations result from the award-winning Middle Ground Theatre Company who were last seen in the area with their critically-acclaimed production of 'Flare Path'.

Young One's cult figure Rik Mayall returns to Malvern on January 27 in Noel Coward's 'Present Laughter'. Perfectly cast in the role of egotistical charmer, Garry Essendine, it is set in the glamourous world of theatre during the Jazz Age - a comic exaggeration of the life that whirled around Coward in his heyday.

Classics

One of the great classics, Charlotte Bronte's 'Jane Eyre' begins on February 3. This extraordinary story of passion and solitude set in the Yorkshire Moors is truly unforgettable.

Opening at Malvern Theatres prior to a West End run, 'Cooper! Not Like That Like This' stars Jerome Flynn as Tommy Cooper. The familiar trademarks - the fez, the laugh, the bottle and the glass are all there from March 5, providing a unique insight into the perfectionist who died the most public death on live television.

Marital stability is questioned in the hilarious 'Love and Marriage' from April 14. Adam Faith stars in Donald Churchill's comedy that takes a poignant look at relationships and what really makes couples stay together. Michael Frayn's marvellous comedy 'Noises Off' follows on April 28 with a fantastic cast including Philip Franks, Cheryl Campbell, Sylvester McCoy and Paul Bradley. Described by The Times as 'the best British farce ever written' Frayn's traditional British tale tells of the real life farce that develops backstage during the show's final rehearsal and disastrous tour - two plays for the price of one!

Stephen Unwin teams up with English Touring Theatre to bring his long-awaited production of Ibsen's 'John Gabriel Borkman' from Feb 19, following his acclaimed production of 'King Lear' last September. John Webster's sensational tragedy 'The Duchess of Malfi' by the National Theatre runs from March 25 starring Janet McTeer (ITV's The Governor).

America is the setting for John Steinbeck's 20th century classic, 'Of Mice and Men'. Starring Matthew Kelly and George Costigan in a tale of friendship and the American dream it opens on March 31.

Boudoirs and salons...

This Life star Daniella Nardini performs in the title role of Camille from May 6. Set in the boudoirs and salons of 19th century Paris, the story has fascinated audiences for over 150 years, providing inspiration for Verdi's La Traviata and the hit film Moulin Rouge.

Opera lovers will be delighted to hear that the Compagnia d'Opera Italiano di Milano return after sell-out previous runs with Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera. Originally banned because of its seditious plot, it contains some of Verdi's finest music and plays for three nights from February 27-March 1.

Dance lovers will be pleased to hear that the English National Ballet will be performing their Tour de Force 2003 on April 25-26.

For children

A superb season for children begins with Alan Ayckbourn's 'The Boy Who Fell Into A Book' on January 28-29 by the award-winning English Touring Theatre (perfect for anyone aged 6+) and includes The Malvern Theatre Players' production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (January 15-18) and Unicorn Theatre's Great Expectations (April 9).

Malvern hosts its first International Lieder series comprising three of the world's finest singers; soprano Barbara Bonney on February 15, Sir Thomas Allen on March 14 and Ian Bostridge on April 8.

The Ultimate Elvis Show on March 21 features the winner of GMTV's Search for Elvis and one of the UK's leading jazz vocalists, Clare Teal makes her Malvern debut on March 22. Another first for Malvern, The Solid Silver 60s show on April 19 features classic hits performed by the original hit-makers including The Searchers, Wayne Fontana and Dave Dee.

With a series of lectures and one man shows, contact Malvern now for a brochure or to book on 01684 892277.