A CAST of TV stars and well known faces come together next week, to present a world premier of one of the world's greatest thriller writers stories at the Palace Theatre.

Starring Paul Opacic (Bad Girls/Emmerdale/Hollyoaks), Richard Walsh (London's Burning) and Karen Drury (Brookside) will be joined by a credible line up of actors to bring you Ruth Rendell's Gallowglass.

This classy thriller has been put together by Middle Ground Theatre Company, whose recent productions include Classic Ghosts, The Verdict and A Murder Is Announced.

The story is set around Sandor when he snatches Little Joe from the path of a London tube train. He was quick to make clear the terms of the rescue. "I saved your life", he told the homeless youngster, "so your life belongs to me now".

Gallowglass opens at the theatre in London Road, Westcliff, on Tuesday April 24 - Saturday April 28 and includes matinees.

Tickets start from £24, available from southendtheatres.org.uk.