ACTOR Derek Jacobi returns to the Malvern Theatres next week in the world premiere of God Only Knows.

A new play by Hugh Whitemore, God Only Knows is set in Tuscany and charts a peaceful evening for four holidaymakers, shattered by the arrival of a fugitive claiming dangerous and long-hidden knowledge.

It will be the first appearance at the newly refurbished Malvern Theatres for Mr Jacobi, although he has been a fairly recent visitor, appearing in Uncle Vanya in 1996 and Hadrian VII the previous year.

An enormously versatile actor, Mr Jacobi began his career at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, before joining the embryonic National Theatre in 1963.

He last teamed up with Hugh Whitemore in 1986 with Breaking the Code.

Stage work has continued to occupy him in the 1990s but he is also a familiar face on the small and large screen.

His recent appearance in Gladiator recalling his role in I Claudius, and with his starring role as Ellis Peter's Brother Cadfael for ITV.

God Only Knows is directed by Anthony Page, who has just finished directing Enigmatic Variations, starring Donald Sutherland, which was at Malvern in May.

n God Only Knows runs from Thursday, August 31, to Saturday, September 9 (not Sunday). Performances are at 8pm with 2.30pm matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets range from £12 to £22 from the box office on 01684 892277.