THEATRE productions are fraught with danger and mishaps, as a Malvern audience is about to discover.

Even Hamlet and Ophelia have run off together, from a professional production of Hamlet.

The play's the thing, but will there be a play?

The new comedy, "Casting" is produced by local company Malvernbard and it is the latest in a string of plays written by Malvern Theatres own Writer in Residence, Nick Wilkes.

Mr Wilkes, who is also the producer said: "The posh producer and gritty Director have until six o’clock to recast their roles or the money gets pulled.

"Such is the state of Arts Funding, such are the problems of Casting."

The comedy sees posh producer, Raymond Grace, played by Rob Temple, and gritty director, Julius Grove, trying to survive a truly horrendous day of auditioning unknowns.

Mr Wilkes said: "It’s hard, it’s horrible and it’s hysterical, but it has to be done if the production is to be saved."

Casting is being produced as part of Malvern Civic Week, and plays at the Coach House Theatre from Tuesday July 14 to Saturday July 18 at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are £13 and available from the Malvern Theatre Box Office – 01684 892277