SOME of the biggest names in entertainment are on their way to Malvern for a packed winter and spring season.

Joan Collins, Ken Dodd, Diana Rigg, Paul Nicholas, Simon Callow and Barbara Dickson are just some of the stars that will be illuminating the Malverns over the coming months.

Helping to keep the jovial Christmas spirit alive in the New Year will be a series of comedies, starting at the beginning of February with Sugar Daddies by Alan Ayckbourn.

The drama unfolds when Sasha, played by Alison Pargeter, comes to the aid of Father Christmas. It could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship...but just who exactly is the stranger who has entered her life?

Following this, Kate O'Mara makes a welcome return in Noel Coward's The Marquise; a comic tale of love set in 18th Century France.

Direct from the West End comes Abigail's Party by Mike Leigh, a revealing and hilarious look at the darker side of suburban life.

The fun continues as Paul Nicholas takes the lead in Mixed Feelings and Liza Goddard stars in The Constant Wife.

Arguably the highlight of the run of comedy will be an appearance by Joan Collins in Full Circle, an evening of wit, laughter and sophistication set in the elegance of Paris.

The theatre will also be playing host to a charged season of drama beginning with Ronald Harwood's Taking Side.

Neil Pearson and Julian Glover star in this true story of the musician Wilhelm Furtwangler and his experiences through the Nazi era and his suspected collusion with the fascist regime.

Following this, Diana Rigg and Victoria Hamilton will be taking the lead roles in Tennessee William's drama Suddenly Last Summer.

Another big name coming to Malvern will be Simon Callow who will be heading the cast in Simon Gray's satirical drama The Holy Terror.

Opera is also represented over the coming season with performances of The Marriage of Figaro, A Midsummer Night's Dream, La Cenerentola and Don Pasquale.

Other musical events include performances by The Hollies, the BBC Big Band, Barbara Dickson, The Searchers, The Dubliners, Kit & the Widow and Clare Teal.

The theatre will also host a lecture by the director of the Eden Project in Cornwall, a festival of recorder music, a flamenco evening, Bollywood and Bhangra dancing lessons and a strong series of children's theatre and amateur performances.

For more information call the Malvern Theatres on 01684 569256 or log on to www.malvern-theatres.co.uk.