Production images released for SHADOWLANDS starring Hugh Bonneville

Based on a true story and directed by Rachel Kavanauh (The Great British Bake Off Musical, Noel Coward Theatre), Shadowlands follows renowned author of The Chronicles of Narnia C. S. Lewis, played by Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), during his time as an academic at Oxford. There, he meets and falls in love with rebellious American poet Joy Davidman, played by Maggie Siff (Mad Men). Billed as a heartbreaking and powerful play, Shadowlands explores an unexpected love story and Lewis's struggles with grief and a loss of faith in the wake of Davidman's illness.

They are joined by Jeff Rawle (Drop the Dead Donkey) as Major W.H. Lewis (Warnie), Tony Jayawardena (Nye, National Theatre) as Rev. Harry Harrington, and Timothy Watson (The Archers) as Professor Christopher Riley, with Rebecca Blackstone, Nigel Fyfe, Jemma Geanaus, Sharan Phull, Leighton Pugh, Fode Simbo, Ernest Stroud and Giles Taylor.

Ayrton English, Nathan Jago, and Louis Wilkins will alternate the role of Douglas (Joy Davidman’s 8-year-old son).

The production originally opened at the Theatre Royal Plymouth in 1989, before transferring to the West End that same year. It became a smash hit, winning the Evening Standard Award for Best Play, followed by a triumphant Broadway transfer that won the Tony Award. Shadowlands was also adapted into a major feature film in 1993 by Richard Attenborough and starred Antony Hopkins and Debra Winger. It did win a BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Film. This current production made its debut at the Chichester Festival Theatre in 2019.

It will play at the Aldwych Theatre until 9 May 2026.

Shadowlands Tickets