Review: The Lady In The Van at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, until Saturday.

ON a number of occasions I have remarked how lucky we are in Worcestershire that the Festival Theatre attracts such quality productions.

Sometimes we get shows before they head off for the West End, at other times the role is reversed and top class dramas, comedies and others head towards the green hills.

This time local theatregoers have one of the stage treats of the year to savour - a splendid comedy in the best traditions of what we have come to know, expect and love of Alan Bennett.

Bennett is unique and so is this brilliant comedy in which Susan Hampshire is a wonderfully eccentric 'Lady', while Paul Bigley and David Holt are excellent in their portrayals of the young and old Bennett.

A sheer joy to see.

AW