SOMERSET Maugham's classic comedy The Constant Wife, one of London's biggest hits last summer, comes to Malvern Festival Theatre next week.

Beautifully designed, costumed and performed, the revival pleased audiences so much on its initial run at Shaftesbury Avenue's Apollo Theatre, it then transferred next door to the larger Lyric Theatre.

Brimming with Somerset Maugham's legendary sharp wit, this major revival of his brilliantly pointed social comedy is brought to sparkling life by Liza Goddard (pictured) - one of this country's best-loved comedy stars - who was at Malvern last year in Oscar Wilde's Lady Windermere's Fan, Susan Penhaligon, the prolific screen actress most recently seen with David Jason in TV's A Touch of Frost, Steven Pinder, who is known to millions for his long-running portrayal of Max Farnham on Channel 4's hit serial Brookside, and Natalie Walter, who has just completed the American and UK tours of The Peter Hall Company's As You Like It.

The top class production also features veteran stage actors Robert East and Virginia Stride with Robin Browne, Maev Alexander and Richard Bardsley.

Briefly, Constance Middleton is a very rare creature - witty, intelligent and captivating. John Middleton, her husband, is having an affair with her best friend.

Although Constance and John are totally devoted, they have been married too long. So, what should she do?

Neither accepting his infidelity nor throwing him out appeal to her.

However, there is another more effective and entertaining way of reserving her dignity.

Beware.

Her charm is dangerously irresistible.

Settle down for an evening of classic Somerset Maugham.

The Constant Wife plays Malvern Festival Theatre from Monday, May 3 until Saturday, May 8. Tickets £14-£22. Box office 01684 892277.