A RICH mix of entertainment is in store for theatregoers as Malvern Theatres announces its new season.

Stars including Penelope Keith, Hayley Mills, Ross Kemp, Susannah York and David Essex are lined up for the autumn season, which begins with the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of The Hollow Crown starring Susannah York and Donald Sinden from September 8.

A celebration of comedy double act Morecambe and Wise, The Play What I Wrote, runs for one week only from September 22 followed by more comedy with The Cemetery Club from October 20, starring Shirley Anne Field, Michele Dotrice, Anne Charleston and Edward Woodward.

A Malvern Theatres spokesman said: "There's much to be enjoyed by Shakespeare lovers as English Touring Theatre return with a brand new production of the world's most famous love story Romeo and Juliet from September 30.

"Later in the season Ross Kemp and Nichola McAuliffe star as Shakespeare's most explosive couple, Petruchio and Katherina in The Taming of the Shrew from November 10.

"Shakespeare 4 Kidz turns Macbeth into a musical thriller guaranteed to keep children of all ages on the edge of their seats on November 17."

Other productions include Humble Boy, featuring Hayley Mills and Tony Booth, We Happy Few, The Graduate and Time and the Conways starring Penelope Keith while David Essex, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Treorchy Male Voice Choir and Count Basie Orchestra are among those set to wow music lovers.

Children's Saturday morning theatre begins in October, the Richard Alston Dance Company performs in November and survival expert Ray Mears and England cricketer Phil Tufnell will be speaking about their experiences.

The spokesman added: "During half term, there will be a chance to see The Singing Kettle's new show Medieval Madness on October 28 and the national favourite living poet Pam Ayres shares stories, jokes, poems and anecdotes on October 24."

Comedian Jim Davidson brings his brand of adult humour on October 4, the Russian Ice stars are also set to return with Sleeping Beauty in December and stars including Ruth Madoc will be appearing in Christmas family panto Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood.

For more details, call 01684 892277 or visit www.malvern-theatres.co.uk