Shadowlands
BAFTA, Primetime Emmy, and Golden Globe Award-nominated actor Hugh Bonneville stars as C.S. Lewis (author of The Chronicles of Narnia) whose orderly academic life as an Oxford Don is upended by the arrival of the spirited American poet, Joy Davidman. What begins as a meeting of minds becomes an uplifting and powerful journey of love and the fragile beauty of life.
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.
Originally a sell-out production at Chichester Festival Theatre, Rachel Kavanaugh directs this strictly limited engagement in London.
Audience Latest Reviews
Reviews Summary based on 23 reviews
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Excellent Boneville and brother? Worth the visut very exoensive ice cream
william, 19 Feb 2026
Marvellous One of the best shows we have seen in a long time…Hugh Boneville was fantastic as was Maggie Siff.
Sad, funny, thoughtful, characterful.
In essence wonderfully acted, scripted and produced.
Annie, 19 Feb 2026
Sad, thoughtful but interesting We found the whole event somewhat depressing knowing what was to come. The theme is grasping happiness whilst you can and that everything good is temporary. Emphasis on grief and suffering.
The acting was excellent but overall we left feeling sorry for everyone.
Eleanor, 19 Feb 2026
Wonderful acting Really enjoyed this production. Really moving story.
Anna, 15 Feb 2026
Poignant perceptive and philosophical A show to expose and express your feelings fears loves inhibitions and limitations.
Simon, 12 Feb 2026
Lovely storytelling I didn't know what to expect from the show, but from nearly the first moment you're drawn in to the deep storytelling. It's not fancy or overly complicated, and that's what makes it wonderful.
Nicole, 12 Feb 2026
Thought provoking Acting brilliant. The plot covers a hard philosophical argument which might not appeal to all. But worth it just for Hugh Bonneville.
Susan, 12 Feb 2026
A well played, funny and profound story Treating with serious matters: God, why suffering, is our world experience a Shadows of other realities, death, mourning, love, marriage...
Moving and funny.
Marked by CS Lewis thinking and writing. I understand that he lived in a time (post war, materialism, communism...) where his faith had to find answers. We are in a very different world now and I will not address those question the same way, but it has the merit to ask those questions that can easily be forgotten.
Marie-Christine, 12 Feb 2026
Thought provoking Bitter sweet & amusing. Excellent acting. Very enjoyable despite the sad story
Lesley, 11 Feb 2026
Endearing profound thought provoking Amazing acting by Hugh Boneville. Beautiful story telling . Both funny and tragic
Julia, 11 Feb 2026
Play I thought the play was very good& it did have introductions. The older guy, the women , the lawyer,& the bold men were very good. If they had music it would have been better. I came to the show because to pass time& meet people. I would like to get creams of Elizabeth Arden & make up. Skechers 150 pounds voucher. I would like to get a good bag from John Lewis. Some good tops & sweaters from Marks & Spencer’s. Good sum of money to spend. I throughly enjoyed the show.
Asita, 11 Feb 2026
Lewisian gneiss Cerebral but great acting and the story does move along nicely
Peter, 11 Feb 2026
Brilliant acting, cast and storyline Well worth attending, such an emotional story.
I loved it and would watch it again.
The cast is brilliant
Christine, 11 Feb 2026
An emotionally charged performance Beautifully written and exquisitely staged. It deals with the themes of love, life, happiness, loss, grief and suffering. Sees you sobbing and laughing in equal measure.
Daniela, 09 Feb 2026
Amazingly acted and such a moving story Shadowlands was an amazing emotional and cleverly acted play. The story is joyous and sad, a rollercoaster of emotions. Hugh Bonnneville and Maggie Siff are amazing and play their parts perfectly, you feel the emotions they both feel. I would recommend the play to everyone although the younger generation may not have lived and lost in the same way to appreciate the emotions, I and my husband on the other hand, were emotionally moved as we have recently lost loved ones.
Well done to all of the actors and the scene creators for the clever use of the stage and lighting. Thank you for telling us an amazing story which I had never known.
Francine, 08 Feb 2026
Touching story and superb cast The story could awaken sad and uncomfortable feelings in some, very much depends on one's attitudes and beliefs, not perhaps suitable for children or teens but the cast was great, everyone, and the magic of theatre happened transporting the viewer into imaginary yet very real world.
Elena, 08 Feb 2026
Funny,creative and thoughful It is very british and excellent production. ⁴
Hortencia, 06 Feb 2026
Love and faith essential for our lives Deeply thoughtful and genuinely kind, caring putting faith as a true anchor of life
Hany, 06 Feb 2026