FROM new comedy direct from the Edinburgh Fringe to dance from the internationally-acclaimed Ballet Rambert, the new season at Malvern Theatres is a diverse and exciting mix.

There is classic drama with a production of Brecht's Mother Courage, starring Diana Quick, a new comedy about the kidnapping of Jeffrey Archer, a new production of the family musical Me And My Girl, Puccini's great love story La Boheme and and plays by Tennessee Williams, David Hare and Alan Ayckbourn.

The season opens on Thursday, August 31, with the new comedy Marlon Brando's Corset, starring Les Denis and Jeremy Edwards. Fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe, the play opens in Malvern before beginning a national tour and a stint in the West End.

Rambert Dance Company will be in Malvern for a week during September. The company is keen to use the space in the Forum and its programme of four works is accompanied by a 30-piece orchestra.

"Our audiences for contemporary dance

are growing and we're very lucky to get a dance company of this calibre in Malvern," said Malvern Theatres' director Nic Lloyd.

Direct from a sell-out West End success, Heroes, the 2006 Olivier Award winner, will be at Malvern from October 23-28.

Adapted by Tom Stoppard, the Gerald Sibleyras comedy is about three First World War veterans in a military hospital talking about their lives and dreaming of escape. It stars Art Malik, Michael Jayston and Christopher Timothy.

There's No Place Like Home (October 23-28) is a funny new play about an old folks' home full of retired actors. It stars Peter Byrne, of Dixon of Dock Green fame, Dora Bryan, Coronation Street's Ken Morley and Allo Allo's Gordon Kaye.

Wolves in the Wall (November 15-18) is a creative production for people of all ages. Actors, musicians and puppets combine to tell a story about a little girl called Lucy who is afraid of noises she hears in the walls

of her house.

"It's exciting and original. A great play for families to see together. It will appeal to the adults as much as the children," said Mr Lloyd.

Other attractions coming up in the new season include the Russian Ice Stars' production of Peter Pan, Amy's View starring Felicity Kendal, Entertaining Angels with Penelope Keith and a series of classical concerts, including performances from the English Chamber Orchestra and the London Philharmonic.

"We like to offer our audiences as wide a range as possible," said Mr Lloyd.

"We want them to come along and see not just familiar plays and famous faces but challenge them to come and see what is new and different in the theatre."

For full details of all forthcoming productions see the autumn season brochure available from Malvern Theatres.