FANS of the TV comedy Just Good Friends have the chance of seeing Vince, alias Paul Nicholas, on stage at the Malvern Theatres this week.

He's starring in the comedy Snakes and Ladders with another charismatic TV actor - Ian Ogilvy - best known as the lead role in the classic series The Saint which he took over from Roger Moore.

The Snakes and Ladders Tour 2002 started mid June in Bromley and after a stint at the Theatre Royal in Norwich in August the company hope to take it to the West End.

Paul told the Journal: "Tours keep you fresh and in touch with your audience. I'm looking forward to visiting Malvern once again, I know I've been there before - it's got hills hasn't it? He may have underestimated the local landscape, but there is no under-estimating the actor.

His long list of credits date back to 1969 when he appeared in the original London production of Hair, then went on to take lead roles in Jesus Christ Superstar and Grease. Innumerable musical roles followed then in 1992 Paul formed a production company with fellow actor David Ian.

One of their productions was Singing in the Rain in which Paul was directed in the lead role by veteran song and dance man, Tommy Steele, who played the part decades ago.

He's giving his dancing shoes a rest, however in Snakes and Ladders. Paul said: "I play a guy who has been demoted and Ian plays an out-of-work actor.

"We and our other halves have double booked a Spanish villa, and we fight over it with hilarious consequences."

And if his involvement in the current tour isn't enough, the veteran star of stage and screen, is also producing a record for wannabe pop idol Lucy Morgan.

Paul said: "It's in the early stages, then I've got to get record companies interested so there's a long way to go yet, but it's quite an exciting time."

Meanwhile, for tickets to see Paul Nicholas and Ian Ogilvy in Snakes and Ladders, contact the Malvern Theatres box office on 01684 569256.

Performances start at 8pm each evening and there is a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.