THE new season at Malvern Theatres starts with two comedies, which is good news for counteracting the end of long days and summer sunshine's demise.

Alan Bennett's Habeas Corpus, from August 21, stars Vicar of Dibley actor James Fleet and then new comedy Marlon Brando's Corset is on from August 31, starring Les Dennis, Mike McShane and Jeremy Edwards in an hilarious deconstruction of our infatuation with celebrities.

From September 25, favourite actress Penelope Keith stars in Richard Everett's comedy Entertaining Angels. With sharp-edged comedy and probing wit, this is a pre-West End tour.

Brilliant comedy There's No Place Like A Home, by Paul Elliott, features a star-studded cast including Dora Bryan, Gorden Kaye and Ken Morley and it's on from October 9.

Direct from its sell-out success in the West End and the winner of the 2006 best comedy Olivier Award, Heroes follows from October 23. Christopher Timothy, Art Malik and Michael Jayston play three First World War veterans who pass their days in a military hospital, dreaming of escape.

The drama starts with a brilliant interpretation of Tennessee Williams's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof from September 18. Starring William Gaunt, Rosemary Leach, Lesley Harcourt and Ben Hull, this drama tells the story of an affluent Southerner, Big Daddy and his family, who have gathered at his home for his 65th birthday.

Direct from an acclaimed West End season, English Touring Theatre returns with their outstanding new production, Bertolt Brecht's Mother Courage. From October 5, Diana Quick stars in this masterpiece of struggle and sacrifice.

Felicity Kendal makes a return visit to the theatres from November 6 in David Hare's play Amy's View which is an enthralling, stimulating and witty drama about the power of love and loss.

The all-singing, all-dancing 70th anniversary production of the musical Me and My Girl is at Malvern from October 2 and stars a host of celebrities including Richard Frame, Faye Tozer, Trevor Bannister, Dillie Keane and Sylvester McCoy. Perfect for all the family, it is packed full of instantly recognisable hits such as The Sun Has Got His Hat On, Me and My Girl and Lambeth Walk.

Direct from Buenos Aires, Argentina's hottest tango show, Tango Fire makes its UK debut at Malvern Theatres on September 10.

As Rambert Dance Company celebrates its 80th anniversary, the programme of four works selected for Malvern from November 1 demonstrates why it remains one of Britain's flagship modern dance companies.

Opera lovers will delight in the news that Compagnia d'Opera Italiano di Milano are to make a return visit when they will present Puccini's La Boheme. One of the most captivating operas of all time, it's on from October 31 and will be sung in Italian accompanied by a 35-piece orchestra.

The English Touring Opera are there in November with their Baroque Festival, including five operas throughout the course of the week along with other events, talks and workshops.

There's music galore as Jack Jones makes a return visit after his sell-out concert last year. He's there with his 17-piece band on October 12. Jazz vocalist and Radio 2 presenter Clare Teal returns to Malvern as part of a major UK tour on October 13. There's also performances by The Dubliners (November 5); David Essex (November 12) and Bjorn Again (December 12). Legendary jazz partnership Cleo Laine and John Dankworth make their first visit to Malvern in over a decade on November 17.

Other highlights include a new concert series for 2006-7 including a performance by Young Musician of the Year Nicola Benedetti (violin), who joins the English Chamber Orchestra on November 24.

There's plenty for children, including Saturday morning theatre, and stand-up-comedy from Jongleurs and Jethro (October 14).

To book tickets or to request a full brochure, call 01684 892277.