FORMER Dr Who Colin Baker is lending his unique talents to bring a classic Victorian terror tale to life on the Cheltenham stage next week.

The Haunted Hotel, which is so popular that it has never been out of print since its publication in 1879, is a tale of hauntings and evil horrors.

Baker plays a theatrical impresario who summons a company of actors to an empty Victorian theatre to enact a ghost story for a private performance, which has a harrowing climax with an ingenious twist.

Brian Blessed was first booked for Baker's part but backed out through ill health. The show is on at Everyman Theatre on Monday and plays until Friday. Box office: 01242 572573.