Aldwych Theatre
Shadowlands
William Nicholson’s beloved and moving true story SHADOWLANDS, directed by Rachel Kavanaugh and starring Hugh Bonneville as Narnia writer C.S. Lewis. Originally produced at Chichester Festival Theatre.
Mon - Sat: 7.30pm
Wed & Sat: 2.30pm2 hours 20 minutes (including an interval)
Tickets from £30
5 February - 9 May 2026
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Running Time
2 hours 20 minutes (including an interval)
Age Recommendation
Recommended for ages 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.
Synopsis
William Nicholson’s beloved and moving true story of Narnia writer C.S. Lewis’s life-changing relationship with American poet Joy Davidman.
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 at the Aldywch Theatre from 5 February
“Tremendous. Bonneville dazzles as CS Lewis in this divine revival.”
The Guardian
Show Information
The producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist at any performance, as this is subject to a variety of factors including illness, holidays, or events beyond the producers’ control. No refunds or exchanges will be offered as a result of an artist’s unavailability to perform at any performance.
Photography, video and sound recordings of any kind are strictly prohibited during the performance.
All tickets include a £2 restoration levy, which goes towards maintaining and restoring our beautiful building.
Opening Times
Bars and facilities open 45 minutes before the performance, with the auditorium normally opening 30 minutes before the show begins.
Please allow extra time before the show for security checks on entry. Performances will start promptly. Anyone who is not seated when the show starts will need to wait until a suitable point in the performance.
Venue Accessibility
We are dedicated to making the experience of all patrons as easy and enjoyable as possible. For full information on venue accessibility, please visit Accessibility.
Group Bookings
Please be aware that group seating is limited for each performance, so these rates are subject to availability.
Standard Group 10+
Price Levels 1 (£90/95) and 2 (£75/80) at £60.00
Available 5 Feb – 24 Apr 2026.
Valid Mon-Fri evenings and Wed matinees.
Accelerator Group 10+ (Book and Pay by 5 Feb 2026)
Price Levels 1 (£90/95) and 2 (£75/80) at £55.00
Available 5 Feb – 24 Apr 2026.
Valid Mon-Fri evenings and Wed matinees.
School Group 10+
Price Levels 3 (£60/65) and 4 (£40/45) at £25.00
One free teacher for every 10 tickets purchased
Valid Tue-Thu evenings and Wed matinees.
All group rates are subject to caps and availability.
