ON stage and on screen funnyman Matthew Cottle has been keeping audiences entertained for years.

And his trip to Malvern Theatres next week is no exception.

Best-known for his role as inadequate banker Martin in the hit 90s sitcom Game On, Matthew Cottle will be taking on another amusing role in Alan Ayckbourn's festive show Season's Greetings, which begins in Malvern on Monday.

Starring alongside Matthew Kelly, Liza Goddard and Eastenders' star Alison Pargeter, Matthew is hoping the show will go with a bang.

"It's a great show and a real pleasure to be a part of," he told the Evening News. "It's not meant to be a comedy but it is very funny in parts."

It is the night before Christmas and Neville Bunker, played by Matthew Kelly, has again forgotten to buy his wife a present.

Sister, Rachel, played by Alison Pargeter, who played Martin Fowler's psychotic stalker Sarah in Eastenders, is in her usual state about Clive - played by Matthew Cottle - and her love life.

Uncle Harvey is growing more eccentric than ever, pregnant Pattie and husband Eddie are at their customary loggerheads, while in the kitchen Auntie Phyllis is drunk in charge of their dinner.

All in all it's another typical Christmas in the Bunker family house, until something really disastrous occurs.

"The stories of the different characters are told through them talking to me," Matthew said. "My character is an outsider. He has written a book and ends up having a fling with hostess Belinda Bunker, played by Liza Goddard.

"I can't give too much away, people will have to come and see it."

The show has been touring all over Britain, including Edinburgh and Richmond.

It's not the first time Matthew has been on tour in an Alan Ayckbourn show and certainly not the first time he has starred in Malvern as he recalls.

"The last time I came to Malvern was in Alan Ayckbourn's Just Between Ourselves a couple of years ago," he said. "I remember it well because on the opening night there was a power cut so we couldn't go on.

"We had to open with the matinee the next day."

Matthew trained at RADA and has starred in dozens of plays and TV series, including Game On, Casualty, Drop the Dead Donkey and Doctors.

"Most people know me from Game On," he said. "I loved doing that show, it was really good fun and Martin was a great character to play.

"I do miss it and lots of people still come up to me and say why don't we do another series. But there aren't any plans to make anymore. I think it's best to leave something while it is still going strong rather than keep making more until people get sick of it."

The 37-year-old father-of-two said he currently has no plans for any TV appearances, although his schedule changes continuously.

"I really love doing theatre at the moment and it's great to work with Alan Ayckbourn. He is such a genius and a real inspiration. The thrill of the theatre is amazing, although it can be a strain on family life.

"I only get back on a Sunday at the moment so that is difficult."

Seasons Greetings runs at Malvern Theatres from Monday until Saturday and tickets are priced between £16 and £25.

Matthew will be back in Malvern in February starring as a doctor hosting a barbeque in a play by Richard Harris.

"It's a very different role," he said. "But I am looking forward to coming back to Malvern. It's a stunning place."

Chase band takes on festive concert

MALVERN'S Chase High School Brass Band will be taking to the stage tomorrow night for their Christmas concert.

The band will be performing with the Single Reeds Wind Band and the McLean Handbell Ringers at the school, on Geraldine Avenue, tonight.

The event starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £5, concessions £3 available on the door, from the Happit shop in Church Street, Malvern, or by phoning 01684 565048.