A RENOWNED actress whose television credits include Tenko and A Bit of a Do stars in a bitter-sweet comedy which opens at Malvern Theatres next week.

Stephanie Cole, currently starring with Richard Wilson in BBC's Life As We Know It, plays 85-year-old Alice in So Long Life, a comedy about families and how to cope with them.

It's Alice's birthday and her family come to celebrate but the party is not a happy one as her children want to put her in a home. Alice has other plans.

Also starring are Paul Shelley, who has worked extensively with the RSC and National Theatre, and BAFTA award-winning actress Cheryl Campbell, known for roles in Pennies From Heaven and the Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire.

So Long Life, which runs at Malvern Festival Theatre from Monday until Saturday, September 29, is presented by Theatre Royal Bath Productions in association with Show of Strength Theatre Company.

Performances take place at 8pm with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm and tickets cost £12-£20 from the box office on 01684 892277 or online from

www.malvern-theatres.co.uk