ISSUES of racism, apartheid and oppression in South Africa are dramatically explored in The Island at Malvern Theatres.

Set in the notorious Robben Island prison, the action follows two political prisoners as they prepare and stage a production of Sophocles' Antigone.

Nelson Mandela performed Antigone during his 27-year imprisonment on Robben Island as a tribute to "a fellow freedom fighter who deliberately defies an unjust law" as a theatrical gesture of defiance.

Athol Fugard wrote The Island to focus attention on the terrible conditions black prisoners were made to live and work in.

The critically-acclaimed play has been performed more than 1,000 times, including a sell-out run at the Royal National Theatre.

The show is on Tuesday, September 20 at 8pm and tickets are from £10-£16 from 01684 892277.

n Popular concert show- case Beyond the Barricade returns to Malvern Theatres as part of an UK-wide tour on Saturday, September 24 at 8pm.

Following previous sell-out visits and West End success, the show has a new repertoire for 2005.

Songs from the best of the Broadway and West End musicals will be performed, including Miss Saigon, Sunset Boulevard, The Lion King and Les Miserables.

Tickets are £15 and £17 from 01684 892277.