Shadowlands
When American poet Joy Davidman lands in quiet C.S. Lewis’s life (yes, that C.S. Lewis), love changes both their lives.
The Chichester Festival Theatre production comes to London for a limited season.
Shadowlands
Offer expires: Sun, 15th March 2026
Book between: Mon, 2nd March 2026 and Sat, 2nd May 2026
Buy best available premium price £135, top non-premium price £95 or second price £80 tickets (from agency / offer allocation) reduced to £100 / £80 / £65 each at all Tuesday to Thursday 7.30pm and Saturday 7.30pm performances ONLY.
Original seat prices may vary by performance, and this offer may not be available on all prices at all times - the system will advise at time of enquiry.
Seats at second price and below may have a restricted view and / or restricted legroom and / or may be in the upper circle (second tier, highest in venue). Seat information.
Some "peak dates" are excluded. The system will advise at time of enquiry.
Ticket selection is from agency's allocation. Subject to allocation availability, change, withdrawal and agency discretion. Not available on tickets already purchased.
(seen at the afternoon performance on 4th March 2026)
Another case of monkey feeling ancient. It well remembers the wardrobe opening on the stage of the Queen’s (now Sondheim) Theatre during this play’s premiere run 36 years ago.
Much has changed in the world since then, softening at least one key message of William Nicholson’s delightful play.
Back in 1989, the Church still had a little influence and authority. Clive Staples Lewis (‘Jack’ to his friends) was a devout Christian. Challenges to his beliefs were an anathema during the period the play is set – and there were still shades even as the last decade of the 20th Century dawned.
Today, these corners feel worn away, “Shadowlands” becoming a tender exploration of love and mortality; morality feeling deeply personal rather than iconoclastic.
Oddly, it deepens the characterizations as college men discuss the effects on the lives of their own circle, rather than allowing the play's weight to comment on an entire country.
It is an excellent cast. Hugh Bonneville and Joy Davidman as C.S. Lewis and Maggie Siff grow ever closer.
Director Rachel Kavanaugh could have improved their act one scenes together by allowing Davidman to increase her acting speed to be a beat ahead of Bonneville, rather than taking his.
It may have added a little vibrancy, as early scenes working at her own pace are perfect – a dogfight with Professor Christopher Riley (Timothy Watson) a highlight for both.
Minor quibbles, with their parting scene eliciting more than a few muffled sniffles around the monkey’s front stalls seat.
As brother Major W.H. Lewis, the slightly red-faced (hope he is well) wonder that is Jeff Rawle has his stunning opportunity to shine. Offering Joy’s young son Douglas (Ayrton English at this performance, bright young player with good accent abilities) a “bun tea,” just one example of whole volumes delivered in a single sentence.
Reliable Tony Jayawardena is likewise of his era as Rev. Harry Harrington. Times change, but his lines provide reference points we can calibrate from, delivered with grace.
Notes too for Rebecca Blackstone’s Tea Room, White Witch and Registrar and Fode Simbo as Alan Gregg and a neatly sketched doctor.
Sadly, no wardrobe this time. Peter McKintosh goes for an entire bookshelf sliding back to reveal stylised trees and a magic apple that can do little good. The period lampshades and booklined rooms are Oxford, the revolve used sparingly to avoid atmosphere leaking as we move (mostly, only streets) between locations.
Faith is something our modern world is lacking. This play is a reminder of it. Even removed from our immediate world, that it can still deliver is testament to the enduring integrity of writing and the strength of this revival production.
The monkey advises checking performance times on your tickets and that performances are happening as scheduled, before travelling.
| Run Time: | 2 hours 20 minutes, including one interval |
| Monday: | 7.30pm |
| Tuesday: | 7.30pm |
| Wednesday: | 2.30pm, 7.30pm |
| Thursday: | 2.30pm, 7.30pm |
| Friday: | 7.30pm |
| Saturday: | 2.30pm, 7.30pm |
| Sunday: | X |
Venue Box Office & Current Prices
0845 200 7981Venue box office details and show price charts are available on the Aldwych Theatre page.
Ticketpipe
ShadowlandsLoveTheatre.com
Lovetheatre.com. Charge around 10% booking fee per ticket. They are owned by Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) and often have good deals on shows at ATG venues.
See Tickets
See Tickets. Charge around 10% booking fee per ticket, plus £2.75 per booking (not per ticket) postal charge. They are owned by ticketing group Eventim.
Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster.co.uk. Charge around 8% to 10% booking fee per ticket. Handling fees may also be added. This is the largest ticketing agency worldwide.
TodayTix
TodayTix. Charge between 10% and 20% booking fee per ticket. Discounts are often available as this is a large global ticketing company with this specific aim.
London Theatre Direct
Londontheatredirect.com. Charge between 10% and 25% booking fee per ticket. Discounts are frequently available. Part of Trafalgar Theatre Group, known for customer service and unique offers.
Availability: Box office discretion
Price: £30
Notes: Enter online App TodayTix offer £30 “Rush tickets” for all performances. Released for the performance on that day, first-come, first-served at 10am. Download the App from Todaytix, unlock the “Rush Ticketing” feature by sharing on Facebook or Twitter, and that will allow you to buy tickets.
Address: 48, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4DF
Box Office: 0845 200 7981
More details: Seats to buy or avoid at this venue plus travel information and other details can be found on the Aldwych Theatre page
