HAVING enjoyed a critically acclaimed run in Stratford a couple of years ago the Royal Shakespeare Company and English Touring Theatre’s production of A Mad World My Masters is now on tour.

It will be coming to Malvern’s Festival Theatre next weekand although written some 400 years ago by Thomas Middleton its latest audiences will be propelled forward to 1950s London and the Soho area in particular.

It’s 1956 and as glamour rubs up against filth, it likes it. This is where the posh mix with musicians, whores and racketeers; where 'virginity is no city trade', and where a dashingly impecunious bachelor in need of quick cash and a good time has to live on his wits.

Turning con-man to fool his rich uncle, he variously becomes a lord, a high class call girl, and – God forbid – a poor actor. But a beautiful Soho tart is also on the scam: a whore to some, a religious instructor to others, and a debutante in need of an eligible bachelor to yet more...

Sean Foley, who has also edited the script with Phil porter, directs this ensemble cast. He is an award-winning actor, writer and director, and the only UK theatre creative to be Olivier nominated in all three categories.

The production was originally developed as part of the RSC’s Studio programme which aims to support established artists who want to develop innovative approaches to Shakespeare, classical text and new work.

Thomas Middleton (1580 – 1627) was an English Jacobean dramatist and poet. His principal works include Women Beware Women, The Changeling, A Chaste Maid in Cheapside and The Revenger’s Tragedy.

The week of performances – from Tuesday, March 24 to Saturday, March 28 - includes a captioned performance on the Thursday and an audio-described performance on the Saturday.

There will also be pre and post show discussions, which will provide a fantastic opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the production with members of the company.