Two back-to-back comedies that have been smash hits around the world are being staged by a leading theatre company over the next few weeks.

The ambitious plans will see Mellow Drama produce the Reduced Shakespeare Company's hilarious comedy All The Great Books (abridged) at St James Cavalier, Valletta, followed by the hit West End and Broadway comedy The 39 Steps at the University theatre.

"With the World Cup coming up it seemed like a good idea to let everyone get their comedy fix before they turn their attention to other things," a spokesman for the drama company said. The first of the plays, All The Great Books (abridged), sees three actors covering all of mankind's greatest writing in just 90, action-packed minutes. From War and Peace to Moby Dick, the actors provide the audience with a literary crash course they are unlikely to forget in a hurry.

The comedy is directed by Wesley Ellul and stars John Montanaro, Colin Fitz and Marc Cabourdin.

The second production is The 39 Steps, which takes the Alfred Hitchcock classic spy movie and gives it the most extreme of makeovers.

Although there are only four actors in the production, they play 100-plus roles between them as the fast paced, hysterical show follows the hero from London to Scotland and back.

The theatrical production, which has been a smash hit on Broadway and the West End, involves car chases, daring bridge escapes and a brief encounter with the Loch Ness Monster.

The local production stars Alan Montanaro, Alan Paris, Julia Calvert and Steve Casaletto and is being directed by James Calvert.

All the Great Books (abridged) starts tomorrow and runs for three weekends until May 30. The show is rated 14.

The 39 Steps runs for two weekends - on May 28-30 and June 4-6. It has a 12 rating.

Tickets for can be obtained by visiting www.mellowdrama.com.mt.