A WAR-TORN provincial theatre is the setting for the next production at the Malvern Theatres.

A new version of Ronald Harwood's comedy The Dresser, starring Nicholas Lyndhurst and Julian Glover, runs from January 24 to 29.

Directed by Peter Hall, the production is the first major revival of the play that was made into an award-winning film starring Tom Courtenay and Albert Finney.

An ageing actor manager, known to his loyal acting company as 'Sir', is struggling to stay sane and complete his 227th performance of King Lear.

Thanks to the war, all the able-bodied actors are fighting and bombs are destroying theatres across the country.

Ensuring that the show goes on is Sir's devoted dresser Norman, who for 16 years has been there to fix his wig, massage his ego, remind him of his opening lines and provide sound effects.

The dresser is played by Nicholas Lyndhurst, whose leading roles on TV have included Butterflies, The Two of Us and Goodnight Sweetheart, although he is probably most famous for playing the downtrodden Rodney in Only Fools and Horses.

Playing Sir is distinguished actor Julian Glover, who appeared in Malvern last year in Man and Superman, Galileo's Daughter and Taking Sides. He also recently played King Lear at London's Globe Theatre.

Malvern Theatres chief executive Nic Lloyd said: "It's a very famous play and this production features an interesting mix of actors.

"It's also directed by one of our great directors, Peter Hall."

Performances are at 8pm, with a matinee on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets are £14 to £22, available on 01684 892277.