IN today's Britain, we cannot seem to get enough of celebrity culture.

It is a theme explored in Alan Ayckbourn's latest hilarious offering, Drowning On Dry Land.

The play opened to huge critical acclaim last summer - at Ayckbourn's own Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough - and now comes to Malvern Theatres as part of a national tour.

Charles is a modern A-list celebrity, mobbed and adored by thousands. His face is everywhere and his name is on everything from breakfast cereals to sports gear.

He's truly the man who has it all: a beautiful wife, wonderful children, immense wealth and a magnificent home. Everyone wants to know Charlie Conrad.

But why exactly is he so famous? What has he ever done? Has he, in fact, ever done anything? And does anyone care?

A glamorous and ruthless TV journalist looks to find a chink in his armour but his nemesis may be on its way in the form of a humble clown.

The play has attracted press plaudits, with The Stage calling it "one of Ayckbourn's best" and the Times saying "Ayckbourn's production is tight and eminently watchable, performed by a strong cast".

Leading the cast are Stephen Beckett, familiar from The Bill and Coronation Street, and Alexander Mathie, who visited Malvern last year in Season's Greetings.

Drowning On Dry Land is at the Festival Theatre from Tuesday to Saturday, February 22-26. Tickets, priced £12-£20, are available from the box office on 01684 892277.