Neil Pearson stars in the acclaimed and witty drama The Real Thing showing at Malvern's Festival Theatre from Monday.

Mr Pearson, the star of Between the Lines and Drop the Dead Donkey on TV and most recently on the silver screen in Bridget Jones's Diary, stars as Henry in the play by Tom Stoppard.

The Real Thing is the story of a successful and highly intelligent playwright who, after writing about betrayal, has to learn to face it too.

"It's a real treat to play this character, to say these words, to pass them off as your own, to pretend - albeit momentarily - that you're that clever," said Mr Pearson. "I'm having a really good time."

Stoppard wrote the play during a time of great emotional turbulence in his life and this adds an edge to the drama.

"It's a brilliantly and lucidly written dissection of love," Mr Pearson said.

Mr Stoppard is one of Britain's foremost playwrights whose dramas range from Arcadia to The Inven-tion of Love. He also wrote the screenplay for the film Shakespeare in Love.

His plays are renowned for wit and intelligence and The Real Thing is one of his most successful comedies.

The current production is directed by Alan Strachan and is backed by a soundtrack of sixties' pop music.

The play runs until Saturday, December 2, with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. Ticket details from the box office on 01684 892277.