MANY of the fans of Rebus, the hard-nosed fictional Scottish detective based in Edinburgh, will have in their own minds what they believe he looks like, and compare them alongside those of the characters in the two television series - played by first John Hannah and then Ken Stott.

Now there’s another to consider with Rebus: Long Shadows, which is a brand-new Rebus story written exclusively for the stage by author of the original novels, Ian Rankin and playwright Rona Munro.

The play premièred at Birmingham’s Repertory Theatre last month and is now on a national tour which takes in Malvern’s Festival Theatre from next  Monday, October 15 to Saturday, October 20.

In the role of John Rebus the cast is led by Charles Lawson who is best known to TV audiences as the iconic character of Jim McDonald in Coronation Street, which he has played since 1989.

The cast also includes Golden Globe and BAFTA nominated actress Cathy Tyson who starred opposite Bob Hoskins in the iconic film Mona Lisa and appeared in the hit TV series Band of Gold, as Siobhan Clarke and theatre and TV stalwart John Stahl, best known for playing Richard Karstark in Game of Thrones, as Big Ger Cafferty.

Dani Heron, Eleanor House and Neil McKinven complete the company.

Detective Inspector Rebus is retired but the shadows of his former life still follow him through the streets of Edinburgh. Whisky helped but now he's denying himself that pleasure. But when the daughter of a murder victim appears outside his flat, he's back on the case and off the wagon.

Rebus will need help from his ex-colleagues but one of them is already looking for him. DI Siobhan Clarke was Rebus' greatest ally on the force but is worried that his past actions may stop them finally convicting a dangerous killer.

Soon Rebus is caught between two cases and can only turn to one person to help him - the man he spent his career trying to arrest.

Ian Rankin is the internationally best-selling author of the Inspector Rebus and Detective Malcolm Fox novels, as well as a string of stand-alone thrillers. His books have been translated into 36 languages and are bestsellers on several continents.

Rankin has won multiple awards including four The Crime Writers Association Dagger Awards, and in 2004 received America's celebrated Edgar Award. He is also the recipient of the OBE for services to literature.

Rona Munro has written extensively for stage, radio, film and television. Her theatre credits include The James Plays, Scuttlers, Iron – which won the John Whiting Award, The Last Witch and Little Eagles. Her television credits include Rehab, Bumping the Odds (BAFTA nomination), and Doctor Who; and for film, Ladybird Ladybird and Oranges and Sunshine.