NICHOLAS Lyndhurst and Julian Glover star in the first major revival of Ronald Harwood's The Dresser at Malvern's Festival Theatre from Monday.

Inspired by the memories of his years working as Donald Wolfitt's dresser, Harwood's "evocative, perceptive and hilarious portrait of backstage life" is set in 1941 in a war-torn provincial theatre.

Ageing actor manager "Sir", played by Julian Glover, is preparing to complete his 297th performance of King Lear. Ensuring that the show goes on is Norman, his devoted dresser, played by Nicholas Lyndhurst. A spokesman explains: "It is he who prepares the make-up table, mends the costumes, massages his ego, reminds him of his opening lines and provides the sound effects."

Nicholas Lyndhust is best known for his roles on television in Only Fools and Horses and Goodnight Sweetheart, while Julian Glover's most acclaimed recent stage performance was as King Lear at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

The Dresser runs until Saturday, January 29. Tickets, £14-£22, are available on 01684 892277 or online at www.malvern-theatres.co.uk