HE put the fear of God into children when he played the rogue Fagin in the classic hit film Oliver! and now Ron Moody is set to scare them again when he comes to Malvern.

The acting legend is no stranger to playing the baddie after starring in the 1967 film which saw him nominated for an Oscar and win five international best actor awards, including a Hollywood Golden Globe.

Now he is to play the villain Captain Hook in Malvern Theatre's Christmas pantomime, Peter Pan, which runs from Friday, December 16, until Sunday, January 8.

"I've played the part in eight pantomimes now so I pretty much know it back to front," said Moody, who is married and has six children.

"I love the character, the size of his villainy. It's great to see the children's reactions to his monstrous behaviour.

"They get really frightened but love it at the same time and are safe in the knowledge that there will be a happy ending and Captain Hook will get his downfall in the end."

Moody, who came to Malvern last in the 1970s, says he is looking forward to performing at the town's theatre since it has been given a facelift.

"Malvern's such a beautiful place. Its people must be very proud of it," he said.

He may be pushing 80, but Moody says he has no plans to quit acting, as he is about to launch into filming for the television drama series Holby City next month before two weeks of rehearsals for Peter Pan in December.

"Retirement is out of the question," he said. "I'm fortunate to work in a business that I love and, while I can, I still will.

"I've slowed down a bit now but I've got no plans for stopping."

Moody will be joined by ITV West presenter Jon Monie, who plays Hook's side-kick Smee, and Kasia Haddad, who stars as Josie Jump in the popular children's television programme Balamory.

The show will also see the return of Gemma Lowy-Hamilton, who is back by popular demand after wowing audiences playing the title role in Malvern Theatres' 2003 panto, Robin Hood And The Babes in the Wood. This year she will be playing Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up.

Lucy Garrioch, a musical theatre student from London, will be making her second professional appearance playing Wendy.

"If you're looking for a treat this Christmas then pay a visit to Malvern to see this special family pantomime," said a Malvern Theatres spokeswoman.

"It is the perfect way to celebrate the festive season, so come along and join in this swash-buckling adventure."