A NEW play by Malvern playwright Peter Sutton premieres at the Swan Theatre in Worcester, on Tuesday (June 5).

Elgar and Alice opens at the theatre as part of celebrations to mark 150 years since the birth of England's best-loved composer.

The play explores different aspects of Elgar's marriage to Alice Roberts and the tensions between his hankering for a country life and her longing for fashionable society. It also puts forward a solution to the enigma behind the Enigma Variations.

It runs at the Swan Theatre, from June 5-7. Performances begin at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £13.50 (Elgar Society members £11.50). Call 01905 611427 for details.