IT is easy to imagine a smile creeping across Noel Coward's face as he added the title Star Quality to his last-ever play. As well as encapsulating the plot, it threw down a massive challenge to whoever ended up acting it.

However, the line-up at Malvern Theatres on Monday night was suitably stellar, and well able to rise to the occasion.

Penelope Keith, who possesses star quality in abundance, was absolutely perfect for the part of insecure leading lady Lorraine Barrie. Her perfect realisation of the character was complimented by an irrepressible Una Stubbs, whose portrayal of hapless ham Marion Blake nearly stole the show.

Assured performances from Russell Boulter as Roy Malcolm, the ruthless, manipulative director, Nick Waring as Tony Orford, his " personal assistant", and Nick Fletcher as Bryan Snow, the idealistic young author, really brought the characters to life, and made sure not one nuance of Coward's biting observation was lost.

Slick production and imaginative direction made you feel as through you really were watching the evolution of a play, from dress rehearsals to final curtain.

Jon di Paolo