RIVALRY and desire under a hot Cuban sun feature in witty romantic comedy Clouds, by Michael Frayn, at Malvern's Festival Theatre from Monday.

Set in Cuba in 1976, the first major revival of the play stars Lloyd Owen and Tara Fitzgerald as world weary journalist Owen Shorter and serious lady novelist Mara Hill, horrified to discover they have both been commissioned to write the same article by competing newspapers.

A spokesman explains: "Journeying across the island, in the company of an older journalist, a beautiful local chauffeur and a sensitive tour guide, they find their rivalry turning to desire and Mara and Owen see what's been staring them in the face all along."

Tara Fitzgerald starred in films I Capture the Castle and Brassed Off.

Lloyd Owen is best known as Paul in BBC1's Monarch of the Glen.

Writer Michael Frayn's many hit plays have included Noises Off and Copenhagen.

Clouds runs November 1-6. Tickets are £14-£22 on 01684 892277 or www.malvern-theatres.co.uk