A NEW comedy by Alan Ayckbourn arrives at Malvern's Festival Theatre on Tuesday as part of a national tour.

Drowning on Dry Land takes wry look at today's media-driven society and concerns Charlie, an A-list celebrity, played by Stephen Beckett, best known as Dr Matt Ramsden from TV's Coronation Street.

A spokesman explains: "Mobbed and adored by thousands, Charlie's face is everywhere. His name is on everything from breakfast cereals to sports gear. He is the man who has it all.

"But what precisely is it that has made Charlie so famous? What has Charlie ever done? In the world of celebrity hype, does anyone even care? Charlie appears untouchable.

"Will a glamorous, ruthless TV journalist manage to find a chink in his armour?"

The play also stars Alexandra Mathie, Stuart Fox, Melanie Gutteridge, Paul Kemp, Adrian McLoughlin and Sarah Moyle.

Drowning on Dry Land runs from Tuesday to Saturday, February 22-26 with evening performances at 8pm.

There are also Wednesday and Saturday matinee shows at 2.30pm. Tickets, £12-£20 are available from 01684 892277 or online at www.malvern-theatres.co.uk