DESPITE her antipodean origin, Anne Charleston is a familiar face on British television screens, probably best known for her portrayal as Madge Bishop in Neighbours.

But, after bowing out of the show in 1997, having worked on Ramsey Street for a total of eight years, Anne's career has gone from strength to strength.

Her latest role sees her as straight-laced, no-nonsense Doris in Cemetery Club, the comedy which arrives at Malvern Theatres on Monday.

Anne said: "I certainly identify with Doris's humour - she is a woman with a very dry wit, which is great fun.

"I love that kind of humour. And it has been fantastic to work with the other cast members because we all get along well with each other."

Cemetery Club tells the story of three 60-something New York widows who meet every month for tea and then visit their husbands' graves to reminisce and gossip.

But the arrival of charming widower Sam upsets the group dynamic with hysterical consequences.

Anne's co-stars are critically acclaimed stage and screen star Edward Woodward, Shirley-Anne Field and Michelle Dotrice, best known to the nation as the ever patient Betty in Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em.

Anne, who is of Irish descent and now lives in Galloway, Ireland, is looking forward to returning to Malvern, which she last visited two years ago. "The area is an absolutely beautiful place and the last time I was there it was so lovely," she recalled fondly.

"The scenery is great and it is very pretty."

The actress has fond memories of her time on the set of Neighbours and still keeps in touch with some of the cast members. "I am quite proud of Neighbours and Madge," she said. "I enjoyed playing her and I loved the character."

Anne has most recently been on our television screens in the ill-fated ITV soap Crossroads, where she played head housekeeper Betty Waddell.

The decision to pull the plug on the soap was made in March this year, just three months after its relaunch.

However, Anne defended the programme staunchly.

"I think Crossroads had immense potential and it was a damn shame it was treated the way it was," she states emphatically.

"When it ended it was very sad for all the cast members, particularly the younger ones."

The accomplished actress also starred in The Royale Family creator Caroline Aherne's critically acclaimed comedy Dossa and Joe, which was filmed in Anne's native Australia.

Again the fates proved unkind for the critics' praise did not match the audience figures and the show failed to be recommissioned for a second series.

But Anne cannot praise Caroline enough saying simply: "She is amazing - a great girl!"

After completing the tour of Cemetery Club, Anne is going straight into rehearsals for a more light-hearted role - the Good Fairy in Jack and the Beanstalk, in Mansfield.

"I have been doing pantomime in this country almost every year since 1988," enthused Anne.

"I always enjoy it - its great fun!"

Cemetery Club will runs in Malvern until October 25. For more details contact the box office on 01684 892277 or visit www.malvern-theatres.co.uk.