Stars of stage, showbiz and screen at Ludlow Festival

From comics to classically-trained actors, this year's Ludlow Festival has an act for everyone to enjoy in the coming weeks.

Hometown hero John Challis will fulfil an ambition when he takes to the stage to star in the Ludlow Festival. The annual event starts tomorrow and runs until July 10, when Shakin' Stevens will perform a selection of his hits during a festival finale.

This year's exciting line-up sees Mr Challis starring as Malvolio in a brand new open-air production of Twelfth Night in Ludlow's medieval castle, directed by newcomer Charlie Walker-Wise.

Mr Challis, a household name for playing Boycie in Only Fools and Horses and The Green Green Grass, is delighted to be making his debut at the Ludlow Festival this summer.

His other work includes Doctor Who, My Family, Last of the Summer Wine and The Tichborne Claimant.

Recently he has been touring with Sue Holderness, Marlene in Only Fools and Horses and The Green Green Grass in their own theatre show, Boycie and Marlene. He is currently writing his autobiography which will be published in the autumn.

He said: "I've always been fascinated by history and ever since I saw the fantastic castle in Ludlow, I've wanted to do something in that venue.

"Malvolio is a part I love and to be making my Ludlow Festival debut in such a great role means my wish has finally come to fruition."

There will also be appearances by Gyles Brandreth, Barbara Dickson, the BBC Big Band and other performers.

The festival will start on June 25 with a gala organ recital at St Laurence's Church from Gordon Stewart while the English String Orchestra and Three Welsh Tenors will appear at the same venue soon after.

Ensemble Sine Nomine will play sacred and secular choral music during a concert on June 28 and harpist Benjamin Creighton Griffiths will headline on June 29.

A series of talks, lectures and walks are planned over coming days, including a headline performance from Germaine Greer, called Shakespeare's Wife. Her talk will focus on Shakespeare's reputation for being the poet of marriage.

Festival spokeswoman Liz Hyder said: "Before him tragedies were about loving "not wisely but too well" and comedies were about getting away with adultery.

"But in play after play Shakespeare presents the finding of a worthy wife as a triumphant dénouement, and again and again constant wives redeem unjust and deluded husbands."

The fun will continue with a mask workshop, performance of swing greats from the BBC Big Band, concert of Schurbert's works for violin and piano from Madeleine Easton and Daniel Grimwood, performances from Gyles Brandreth and Barbara Dickson before Shakey's curtain-drawing turn. His turn at the festival comes ahead of his 30th anniversary tour which will stop off in Wolverhampton in November.

Further details on all events are available from www.ludlowfestival.org or by calling the box office on 01584 875070. The Ludlow Festival was launched more than 50 years ago and the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are among former guests.

Andy Richardson