RICHARD Harris's premiere Going Straight, with veteran stars of stage and screen John Alderton and Pauline Collins, was a treat to watch.

On at the Malvern Theatres all this week, the story is set in a flashy villa on the 'Costa del Crime,' owned by Mickey. The serious villain, having recently married a 'classy bird' is seemingly set for a life of retirement on his ill-gotten gains.

Alderton plays the part with great skill. He looks right and sounds good - jovial on the surface with menace always lurking beneath.

Pauline Collins, who plays long suffering Brenda, wife one of Mickey's henchmen, gives a magnetic performance from start to finish. Her expressions and body language tell us just what this sharp survivor thinks from her first entrance.

Carol Royle as Francine, Mickey's new wife, is a beautiful contrast, swanning around in her sparkly dress and donning rubber gloves to clear away the barbecue. The hate between her and Brenda practically melted the front row.

George Costigan's portrayal as Raymond, Brenda's husband, was faultless too. Also, a surprise addition to the cast is John Alderton's daughter Kate who looks to be following in her father's footsteps. She plays Polly, a hooray-Henrietta type, who helps to give the play an interesting twist. Although a little slow to start, the strength of characters builds, keeping the audience guessing to the end. The play runs until Saturday. Box office: 01684 892277.

REVIEW BY MARTIN SMITH