SHADOWLANDS is a profoundly moving portrayal of the intense, but tragically brief, relationship between author CS Lewis and American poet Joy Gresham.

This production of William Nicholson's play is nothing like the schmaltzy Hollywood film and mercifully steers clear of oversentimentality, focussing instead on the understated but very real human emotions of all those affected by the affair.

The Narnia Chronicles' CS Lewis is played to perfection by Charles Dance as the Oxford don comfortable with his bachelorhood as he nears his 60s.

But his world - and, more importantly, his view of the world - is challenged and changed irrevocably by Joy, a brash American woman with an acerbic wit and an intelligence which is more than a match for Lewis and his contemporaries.

Eventually, she manages to strip away the stiff upper lip veneer and British reserve of the author before tragedy strikes and she is diagnosed with cancer.

Janie Dee, as Joy, puts in a truly amazing performance. To see her go from the vibrant woman who is not afraid to challenge and question life to a woman who is so suddenly and cruelly struck down with the debilitating illness is heartbreaking.

But the scenes between her and Dance are magical. The interplay between the characters as, gradually, they realise their love for each other, is genuinely touching.

And the effect it has on CS Lewis is brilliantly portrayed by Dance. His struggle to accept, at first his love for Joy and then her loss, is mesmerising.

The themes of love, loss, transformation, faith, pain and, ultimately, suffering, are continuously explored throughout - with Lewis coming back to revisit his opening speech as his belief system is challenged.

The supporting cast - notably Richard Durden and John Standing - add to what is a very classy production, guaranteed to leave you dabbing your eyes as you make your way home.

It runs at Malvern Theatres until Saturday. To book tickets, call the box office on 01684 580932