AN actor performing in Malvern Theatres next week has a fascinating connection with the town and its history.

Edward Hardwicke, best known as Dr Watson in the classic television series Sherlock Holmes, appears in Office Suite, from August 11-16.

He has not performed on the Malvern stage since he was five years old and played his mother's son during one of the last festivals before World War Two.

In 1929 Edward's father, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, created the role of Magnus in George Bernard Shaw's The Applecart.

Sir Cedric was then a director of the festival, along with Barry Jackson and J B Priestly, until 1949.

Edward's mother Helena Pickard also appeared in several plays at the festival and is shown watching a performance in a painting which once hung in the theatre.

A pupil at the Hill, a private school in Worcester Road, Mr Hardwicke said he had many happy memories of his time in Malvern.

He has not visited for 15 years and can hardly wait to return.

"Although I lived here a long time ago I always think of coming back to Malvern as coming home," he said.

He added that he recently found letters from Elgar, inviting his father to tea, which are now in the British Library.

"The festival used to include music as well as dramatic performances, and Elgar was very much involved," he said.

When he is not performing, Edward plans to meet up with his family to visit the Hills and explore the place with which he has such strong links.

Tickets for Office Suite, which also stars Lesley Joseph, cost £12-£20 from the box office on 01684 569256.