JOHN Alderton and Pauline Collins are starring in the next major production at Malvern, running next week

And the popular husband and wife acting couple will be joined by their daughter Kate Alderton in a world premiere of a new Richard Harris play, Going Straight.

The play asks the question 'can an East End hard man ever really go straight?' and the story revolves around two old gangsters settling into a quiet life of retirement.

'Loveable lags' and old friends Mickey and Ray get together in Spain to remember the old days but when a film researcher arrives for an interview and wives take on their own agendas, things start to unravel.

As well as the show being a world premiere - it runs in Malvern for a week before heading out on its first national tour - it also marks the first time in 20 years that John Alderton and Pauline Collins have been on stage together.

The popular pair have become household names, thanks to film and TV appearances in the likes of Upstairs Downstairs, Please Sir, Calendar Girls and Shirley Valentine, among may others.

As well as their daughter, Kate, they are joined in the show by George Costigan, of Rita Sue and Bob Too fame and Carol Royle (See You Next Tuesday). Internationally acclaimed director Alan Strachan is taking the helm.

The play is at Malvern from Monday until Saturday, October 16. For ticket details, contact the box office on 01684 892277 (www.malvern-theatres.co.uk).