A WORLD stage premiere from the pen of one of the world's greatest thriller writers is coming to Malvern Theatres.

Gallowglass is a study of manipulation, obsession and obedience, straight from the mind of Ruth Rendell.

A spokesman said of the plot: "When Sandor snatched Little Joe from the path of a London tube train, he was quick to make clear the terms of the rescue.

"I saved your life, he told the homeless youngster, so your life belongs to me now.

"Sandor began to tell him a fairy tale: an ageing prince, a kidnapped princess, a missed rendezvous. But what did this mysterious story have to do with Sandor? Joe only understood his own role - he was a Gallowglass, the servant of a chief."

He will obey, even if that obedience makes him an accomplice for a kidnap.

Original a successful novel, this stage version stars Paul Opacic (Bad Girls/Emmerdale/Hollyoaks), Richard Walsh (London's Burning), Karen Drury (Brookside), Dean Smith (Last Tango in Halifax/Waterloo Road), Florence Cady (Crucible of the Vampire), Rachael Hart (Apple Tree House), Eva Sayer (The Turn Of The Screw) and introducing Joe Eyre as Sandor.

The spokesman added: "This classy thriller is brought to you by Middle Ground Theatre Company, whose recent productions include Classic Ghosts, The Verdict and A Murder Is Announced."

Gallowglass tour opens at Malvern Theatres from Wednesday 24th to Saturday 27th January.

Tickets are on sale at the Box Office 01684 892277 and online at malvern-theatres.co.uk.