A NEW play that has been attracting a good deal of attention in the national press comes to Malvern next week.

Starring David Suchet, swapping the waxed moustache and little grey cells of Hercule Poirot for the vibrant red robes of a Roman Catholic cardinal, The Last Confession is a thriller that traces the dramatic tensions, crises of faith and political manoeuvrings within the Vatican surrounding the death of the man known as "The Smiling Pope" - John-Paul I.

"It's one of the best new plays I've ever read," says Suchet. "I was very drawn to the subject matter. I remember the conspiracy theories about what might have happened, but more importantly, I was fascinated by the complexities of my character."

A firm believer in the value of research, Suchet spent some time in Rome and went on retreat with a group of Benedictine monks as part of his preparations for the role of Benelli.

"I went on retreat, partially because Benelli would also have done so, but also to rediscover my interior self. By doing so, my soul is liberated and I feel a greater connection with Benelli, but I am playing a part, not giving a lecture. I leave my research in the dressing room before I step on stage.

"The Last Confession is not the kind of play which you see and then go out for dinner and talk about the weather," says Suchet, adding that Catholics should not fear that their faith is mocked or belittled in the play.

"Catholics have told me how relieved they've been because the play doesn't point fingers or make easy judgements."

The Last Confession opens at Malvern Theatres on Monday. For tickets, call the box office on 01684 892277.