Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Paddington, Twenty Twelve) stars as C.S. Lewis alongside acclaimed actor Maggie Siff (Mad Men, Sons of Anarchy, Billions) as the spirited American poet Joy Davidman whose unexpected love transforms the orderly academic life of C.S. Lewis – the celebrated author of The Chronicles of Narnia.
What begins as a meeting of minds becomes an uplifting and powerful journey of love and the fragile beauty of life.
Originally a sell-out production at Chichester Festival Theatre, Rachel Kavanaugh directs this strictly limited engagement at London’s Aldwych Theatre from 5 February.
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Based on a true story, Shadowlands is written by William Nicholson and was adapted from his own original BAFTA Award-winning TV Movie. It soon became a West End smash-hit winning the Evening Standard Award for Best Play, followed by a triumphant Tony Award-winning Broadway transfer. In 1993 the play was adapted into a major feature film directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger, which subsequently won the BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Film.
Tickets available for performances from 5 February 2026 – 9 May 2026.
Age recommendation: 12+. Under 5s cannot be admitted to the theatre. Children aged 15 or under must be accompanied by an adult (at least one adult per 10 children). All patrons, regardless of age, must have a valid ticket.
2 hours 20 mins, including interval (subject to change).
Hugh Bonneville (C.S. Lewis), Maggie Siff (Joy Davidman).
William Nicholson (Writer), Rachel Kavanaugh (Director).
'Tremendous. Bonneville dazzles as CS Lewis in this divine revival'
'A theatrical triumph'
'A brilliant, moving evocation of live, love and loss'
'A haunting production'
'Impressive'
'Will bring tears to your eyes'
'Entertaining, funny, deeply touching'
