STAR Shane Richie has spoken of his delight to be playing Archie Rice in a new, updated version of “The Entertainer”.

The play, one of John Osborne’s most celebrated works, will enjoy a run at Malvern Theatres from Monday, September 9 to Saturday, September 14.

Shane said: “Following in the black patent shoes of Olivier, Gambon, Lindsay and Branagh, it’s an incredible honour to be asked to play one of literatures greatest fictional characters, Archie Rice.

“In the words of the great man himself. you’re a long time dead, let’s just whoop it up!”

Shane Richie has balanced a hugely successful forty year career between theatre, film and TV; and he has been a regular fixture on prime time television hosting such shows as Lucky Numbers (ITV), The Shane Richie Experience (ITV), Win, Lose or Draw (ITV), Don’t Forget the Lyrics! (SKY1), Reflex (BBC) and Win Your Wish List (BBC) to name but a few.

The spokeman added: “Shane is well known for playing Alfie Moon in EastEnders.”

But what about this updated version of The Entertainer?

The spokesman said: “It’s 1982: Archie Rice is a washed-up entertainer playing a summer season.

“As his soldier son sails with the Task Force to liberate the Falklands, his daughter Jean returns from campaigning against the war, and Archie’s professional and personal lives collide with devastating consequences.

“Directed by Sean O’Connor, this innovative adaptation, for the first time since its premiere in 1957, has been given a vibrant new setting.”

Sean said, “Osborne’s story of a man who faces the end of his career in the declining days of a popular art form in the context of Britain struggling to establish its place on the international stage has never seemed more relevant or more timely.”

The Entertainer will be on stage at Malvern Theatres next week, from Monday September 9 to Saturday September 14.

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