ADDING some controversy to the line-up at this year's Bewdley Festival has paid off, organisers say.

Audience members have approached Carole Swingler claiming Monday's production of Steve Lambert's one-act Ashes to Ashes by the Badac Theatre Company was the best they had ever seen at the festival.

The play deals with the violence and degradation visited upon Jews sent to Auschwitz during the Second World War.

But Mrs Swingler said: "It was superb, a very powerful experience - the kind of play that leaves audiences speechless."

As the Shuttle/Times and News went to press a few tickets remained for tomorrow's talk by news anchorman John Suchet on Beethoven and Saturday afternoon's presentation by Betty Webb on Bletchley Park.

Audiences have already been out in force for Roy Hudd - and Mrs Swingler was so impressed by his Music Hall she emerged as "one of his biggest fans" - Humphrey Lyttleton's opening night performance, Kathryn Tickell and classical guitarist Julian Bream.

For details on the festival, which ends on Saturday, call Bewdley Information Centre on 01299 404740.