RIK Mayall's legions of fans could be forgiven for doing a double-take when they see his face smiling out of the bills for the forthcoming Noel Coward play at Malvern Theatres.

Delivering rarefied wit penned by the master of drawing-room comedy seems at first glance an incongruous choice for a man whose surreal and slapstick humour has made him a household name.

But the veteran of The Young Ones and Bottom, cult sitcoms in which he stars alongside long-time pal Adrian Edmondson, says the part of Garry Essendine in Present Laughter is perfect for him.

At the time the script "plopped through the door", Mayall had already been in discussions with Ben Elton about the possibility of doing something related to middle age and the male menopause.

Coward's script charts the progress of a vain, charming light comedy actor who has been famous for 20 years

Mayall realised there was no need to search for something new - he had found exactly what he was looking for.

"I think Noel Coward was born to write this play for me," he said. "It's fantastic!"

In fact, although he is most famous for modern alternative comedy, he has appeared in a number of more conventional theatrical productions, including Waiting For Godot and The Government Inspector.

His last appearance at the Malvern Theatres was as bar owner Henri in A Family Affair in 2000.

The 44-year-old former King's School pupil has many fond memories of the Winter Gardens, as the theatres were previously called - coming to watch The Cortinas and Lindisfarne there.

While the venue is too small to host a Bottom gig, which attracts thousands of people, Mayall says it is the perfect venue for Present Laughter.

"People have to come and see it," he enthused.

Present Laughter runs from Monday, January 27, to Saturday, February 1, with tickets priced £8-£20.

Tickets and more information are available on 01684 892277 or at www.malvern-theatres.co.uk.