GEORGE Sewell is one of those actors who never seems to be an "actoor", if you know what I mean.

With a rough-edged East End accent, he invariably appears to be playing some version of himself. Which was exactly how he got into the acting profession in the first place.

"My brother was the actor in our family," George explained. "I had a variety of jobs when I was a lad. Did all sorts of things.

"My longest job was probably as a travel courier on the coaches, taking people all over the Continent. So I suppose I had the gift of the gab.

"In fact I was still on the coaches when I was having a drink 'up West' one night with my brother and a few of his actor friends, and someone said Joan Littlewood was holding auditions for a new production.

"They suggested I have a go. Joan was looking for people who were not experienced actors - people who were a bit raw - and I was that all right. Anyhow, I got the job."

So, at the age of 35, George Sewell became an actor. His association with Joan's legendary Theatre Workshop proved the springboard to a substantial career, which has seen him star in successes such as Oliver!, Oh, What a Lovely War, Dial M for Murder and The 39 Steps.

His gruff East End accent has proved a natural for character roles in crime series such as Special Branch and The Detectives.

Later this month, for the first time, George comes to Malvern for a week's run in Who Killed "Agatha" Christie? at the Festival Theatre.

The Tudor Gates play was first produced in the West End 20 years ago, with Dermot Walsh playing the role George takes, that of a writer of popular plays who believes his career is being damaged by an elitist, homosexual drama critic.

Back then, the critic was played by Richard Greene, he of the green tights and Robin Hood fame, but opposite George now is Lionel Blair.

"We've hit it off really well," said George. "Although I'd never claim to be able to keep up with him on the dance floor!"

Described as a nail-biting thriller, Who Killed '"Agatha'" Christie? has a truly memorable twist in the tail to keep the audience transfixed.

Who Killed "Agatha" Christie? plays Malvern Festival Theatre from Monday, July 22, until Saturday, July 27. Tickets are priced £18-£10 and are available at the box office on 01684 892277.