DAVID Suchet stars in an incisive new thriller that delves into the darkest recesses of one of the most guarded institutions in the world.

The Last Confession takes a look behind the locked doors of the Vatican, where everything is confidential, but nothing is secret, and reveals all at the Malvern Theatres, from Monday, June 11.

In 1978, a little known Cardinal from Venice is elected to succeed Pope Paul VI. Known as The Smiling Pope', Pope John Paul I quickly shows himself to be the liberal that reactionaries within the Catholic Church feared the most. Just 33 days later, he is dead. No official investigation is conducted, no autopsy is performed, and a press release from the Vatican proves to be mostly lies.

Only Cardinal Benelli - played by Suchet, has the power to challenge the dead Pope's enemies. The Cardinal delves into the secrets at the heart of the Vatican, and as questions about the Pope's death begin to surface, he finds himself faced with a crisis of faith and conscience. David Suchet is among the nation's most popular actors, most famous for his role as Agatha Christie's supersleuth Poirot.

His recent theatre credits include Once in a Lifetime, and Man and Boy, which came to the Malvern Theatres in 2004.

He is joined by Michael Jayston, who starred in Oscar-winning Nicholas and Alexandra and acclaimed TV drama Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

He appeared at Malvern last year alongside Art Malik and Christopher Timothy in Heroes.

Other cast members include Michael Cronin, Paul Foster, Charles Kay and Joseph Long.

The Last Confession comes to Malvern from Monday to Saturday, June 11-16. Evening performances begin at 8pm, with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets cost from £18-£26. Call 01684 892277, or visit www.malvern-theatres.co.uk