Shadowlands Tickets
Opens 5th February
Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville stars as Chronicles of Narnia author C.S Lewis, in this acclaimed play about love, loss and faith.
Shadowlands in London
Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville stars in Shadowlands, as this moving play comes to London. This acclaimed production, based on the true story of the romance between The Chronicles of Narnia author C.S. Lewis and American poet Joy Davidman, was a sell-out at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2019 and now comes to the Aldwych Theatre, just off Drury Lane, for a strictly limited run. Don’t miss this “divine revival” (Guardian) - book today.
What is the play Shadowlands about?
It’s the 1950s, and while Oxford don Clive Staples Lewis may be beloved by families across the country for his book series The Chronicles of Narnia, he himself is a confirmed bachelor. Lewis’ life is quiet, well-ordered, and uneventful - devoutly Christian, Lewis has his teaching, his academic pursuits, and a modest apartment that he shares with his brother Warren - that is, until Lewis receives a letter from fellow writer and poet Joy Davidman.
What begins as a correspondence between an author and his fan soon blossoms into something more. Joy is complicated - a single mother and divorcee - and when the lively American comes to visit, bringing her young son with her, Lewis’ orderly life is turned upside down. Lewis has written several theoretical musings on love, and the two must learn to make a life together when he is confronted with the reality at last. But, as their romance grows, fate takes a cruel turn, and Lewis’ faith is tested by the fragility of love, and life.
This deeply moving play is based on the true story of C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman's remarkable relationship. Adapted from the BAFTA-winning 1985 teleplay of the same name, the play premiered in 1989 and has since enjoyed several revivals in the UK and on Broadway, winning an Evening Standard Award for Best Play and a Tony Award. In 1993 Shadowlands was adapted into a feature film starring Antony Hopkins as Lewis. In 2019, the production was revived for a sell-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre, which now transfers to London for a strictly limited run.
Who are the cast of Shadowlands?
Shadowlands stars Hugh Bonneville, reviving his role from the 2019 Chichester Festival Theatre run. Further casting is to be announced.
Hugh Bonneville is a SAG award-winning, BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor and author. He is best known for his roles as Mr Brown in the Paddington films and as Lord Grantham in Downton Abbey. Bonneville’s credits include Notting Hill, W1A, Twenty Twelve and Doctor Who. Stage roles include King Lear at the Old Vic, The Alchemist with the RSC, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
Who are the creative team of Shadowlands?
Shadowlands is written by William Nicholson, adapted from his own 1985 teleplay. Nicholson is a Tony, BAFTA and Oscar-nominated screenwriter, playwright and novelist. His credits include Gladiator, The Retreat from Moscow, and the adapted script for Tom Hooper’s 2021 film adaptation of Les Misérables. Nicholson is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and an OBE.
Rachel Kavanaugh directs, also reprising her role as director from the 2019 Chichester production. Kavanaugh is an Oliver nominee and the former artistic director of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Her credits include The Taming of the Shrew starring Sheridan Smith and Love’s Labours Lost starring Benedict Cumberbatch at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, An Ideal Husband starring Patricia Routledge and Edward Fox at Chichester Festival Theatre, The Rivals at Bristol Old Vic, and A Christmas Carol at the RSC.
Book Tickets for Shadowlands at the Aldwych Theatre Today!
Downton Abbey and Paddington Star Hugh Bonneville leads this “entertaining, funny, deeply touching” (Whats On Stage) play about beloved children’s author C.S. Lewis. This acclaimed revival comes to London for a strictly limited run, and was a sell-out during its celebrated season at the Chichester Festival Theatre. Don’t miss this “deeply poignant” (Guardian) play about love, loss and faith. Secure your tickets for Shadowlands at the Aldwych Theatre today.
The appearance of any performer cannot be guaranteed and is always subject to illness, injury and statutory holiday entitlement.
Show Times
| Matinee | Evening | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | - | - |
| Tuesday | - | 7.30pm |
| Wednesday | 2.30pm | 7.30pm |
| Thursday | 2.30pm | 7.30pm |
| Friday | - | 7.30pm |
| Saturday | 2.30pm | 7.30pm |
| Sunday | - | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Shadowlands tickets?
Shadowlands tickets are priced from £30 to £194.
Where is Shadowlands playing in London?
Shadowlands is playing at the Aldwych Theatre, 49 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4DF.
Can I buy tickets for Shadowlands at the box office?
Yes you can buy from the Aldwych Theatre box office where you will pay the face value ticket price, sometimes with a small booking fee. Search on SeatPlan to get the best prices and deals in one search.
What is the refund / cancellation policy?
Tickets for Shadowlands are generally non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
SeatPlan works with multiple suppliers to find the best deal for you. Each supplier has their own refund and cancellation policy, which you can review on the payment page before you complete your purchase.
