TIMOTHY West, one of this country's most established stage and screen actors, and Olivier award-winning actress Nichola McAuliffe are set to star in National Hero, a new play by Terry Mackay.

Following its premiere at the Edinburgh Festival this August, National Hero is coming to Malvern Theatres from September 12 as one of only three national venues where this production can be seen.

National Hero tells the story of a bomb disposal expert at the end of his career. After a lifetime on the front lines Gregor Tyrell (Timothy West) faces impending retirement and the fear of personal redundancy. Sudden news of a terrorist attack catapults Gregor back into the limelight, and an explosive conclusion gives birth to a new national hero - but at a heavy price.

Set against the backdrop of global events, this timely new drama pits relationships against career in a success culture driven by celebrity, status and spin.

Timothy West's illustrious stage and screen career spans over 40 years and includes the title role in King Lear, Bedtime, Waking the Dead and Bleak House on TV.

Olivier-award winning actress, Nichola McAuliffe has worked extensively on stage and screen. Her many television credits include Anita in Coronation Street and Sheila Sabatini in seven series of ITV's Surgical Spirit. She has had numerous theatrical roles including Katherine in The Taming of the Shrew (seen alongside Ross Kemp at Malvern in 2003) and most recently seen as Arkadina in a new translation of The Seagull.

National Hero runs at Malvern Theatres from Monday to Saturday, September 12 to 17. Tickets range from £14 to £22, with under 25's tickets just £8. To book, call the box office on 01684 892277 or check out www.malvern-theatres.co.uk.