FORMER EastEnders star Michelle Collins and Drop the Dead Donkey's Stephen Tompkinson are set to star in Rattle of a Simple Man at Malvern Theatres.

The two will play a prostitute and a middle-aged football fan in an adaptation of Charles Dyer's 1960s classic that will play only in Malvern before its run in the West End.

Stephen plays Percy, a football supporter from Manchester who visits London for a match. Frustrated and naive, he is picked up by the young and streetwise Cyrenne (played by Michelle). When the two return to her flat, an empathy develops and they start to reveal the truth about themselves.

Stephen Tompkinson shot to fame as Damien Day in Drop the Dead Donkey and has been a regular feature in television listings ever since. His most famous roles include Father Peter Clifford in Ballykissangel and journalist Don Hale in In Denial of Murder. He also played Phill in the film Brassed Off.

Michelle Collins is known to millions as Cindy in Eastenders and most recently appeared in BBC1's Sea of Souls. Rattle of a Simple Man is her first West End stage appearance.

"I just want it to be successful for us and I want to enjoy it," she said.

She said the nerves were steadied by the fact that she has known Stephen for some ten years, although the two have never worked together before.

"It does help if you get on with your opposite. I haven't been on stage in a long time but as an actor, I want to do everything.

"There's a huge terror with stage work because there's no safety net. But that's the adrenaline that you thrive on."

Neither of the stars had been to Malvern before, but both commented on the town.

"The backdrop is absolutely stunning," Stephen said. "I'm very impressed with both theatres I've seen, I'm really looking forward to my time here."

Michelle said she was looking forward to visiting Oxfam.

"I quite like charity shops," she said.

Rattle of a Simple Man runs from Tuesday to Saturday, April 27, to May 1. Tickets start at £12, from the box office on 01684 892277.