TWO homegrown entertainers star in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Malvern Theatres.

Malvern-born actor and singer Richard Swerrun returns to his home theatre in the starring role.

Gregory Bradley, who lived in Ledbury for ten years, plays Joseph's youngest brother Benjamin.

Having recently completed a West End tour of Joseph, Richard says bringing the show to Malvern, from February 28 to March 5, will be a welcome homecoming.

"I'm really looking forward to being back here, it's where I first trod the boards," he explained.

Richard starred as Joseph in the previous production in Malvern and says he has played the part an astonishing 3,000 times.

"That means I've sung Any Dream Will Do about 12,000 times. It's different every time though, there's always something that keeps it fresh."

Despite starring in London's West Side Story, Robin of Sherwood and Roll Over Jehovah, Richard said performing to his home audience was one of the most difficult things for him.

"It's much easier to perform to audiences at the Palladium," he said.

"I know I've got friends and old teachers in the audience here, I love it but it's very nerve-racking."

Gregory Bradley has starred in various West End musicals including Oliver and Sweeney Todd and has enjoyed several television appearances.

He said it was great to return to Malvern Theatres in a starring role: "It's great to be back, it's ages since I've been to this theatre and it's all new, I hardly recognise it."

Although he now lives in London, Gregory said he still has friends and family living in Ledbury.

"It's been really nice to see them all again and lots of them are coming to see the show."

Tickets for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat range from £16 to £21 and are available from 01684 892277.