AFTER a successful first year, Rain Man, the inaugural production of Bill Kenwright’s Classic Screen to Stage Theatre Company, has extended its run into 2019 with a new star cast.

Paul Nicholls will play Raymond Babbit, joined by Chris Fountain as Charlie Babbitt.

And the show is coming to Malvern Theatres.

Paul Nicholls became a household name when he joined EastEnders as the troubled Joe Wicks in 1996 until 1997. He has also appeared in acclaimed dramas such as Channel 4’s hit drama Ackley Bridge, The C Word for the BBC and ITV’s Law and Order. His film work includes Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, If Only and The Trench. Previous theatre work includes Long Day’s Journey Into Night with Jessica Lange (Lyric Theatre), Vincent in Brixton (National Theatre), Billy Liar (Bush Theatre) and The Shawshank Redemption (UK Tour).

Chris Fountain won Best Actor in the 2008 British Soap Awards for his portrayal of Justin Burton in Hollyoaks. He played Tommy Duckworth for 2 years in Coronation Street and has also starred in Dancing On Ice and most recently the ITV drama, Girlfriends. In 2016 he made his stage debut as Guy in the award-winning production of The Full Monty UK Tour.

A spokesman said of Rain Man: "When self-centered salesman Charlie Babbitt discovers that his long-lost brother Raymond, an autistic savant with a genius for numbers, has inherited the family fortune; he sets out to get ‘his half’. Charlie ‘borrows’ Raymond from the institution where he has spent most of his life and the two brothers embark on a trip across America."

Rain Man will be on stage at Malvern Theatres from February 5 to February 9.

Tickets are on sale at the Box Office 01684 892277 and online at malvern-theatres.co.uk