Everything You Need to Know About Shadowlands: Story, Cast, Reviews & London Performances

Posted on 7 Jan 2026

Shadowlands returns to the West End in a deeply moving revival, bringing one of theatre’s most cherished and tragic love stories back to London for a strictly limited run.

Spoilers ahead! At its heart, Shadowlands is a tender, thought-provoking play about love, belief, and what happens when life refuses to follow the rules we’ve carefully written for ourselves.

The story centres on C.S. Lewis — the Oxford academic and writer best known for creating The Chronicles of Narnia. Comfortable in routine and intellect, Lewis’s world is disrupted when he meets Joy Davidman, an American poet whose honesty and warmth challenge everything he thought he understood about faith, pain and love.

What begins as friendship slowly deepens into something far more profound, leading Lewis to confront the very ideas he has spent a lifetime teaching. Shadowlands is ultimately a play about how love can crack even the most carefully armoured hearts.

For the Shadowlands London production,

Hugh Bonneville

reprises his widely praised performance as C.S. Lewis, having originally starred in the sell-out production at Chichester Festival Theatre. Audiences will know Bonneville from Downton Abbey, where he played the Earl of Grantham, and from the much-loved Paddington films.

He is joined by Maggie Siff (Mad Men, Billions) as Joy Davidman

—

expect a role that sparkles with humour before quietly breaking your heart!

### **Why Shadowlands Is Still So Loved** First written by William Nicholson as a television play in 1985, Shadowlands made its West End debut in 1989 and has continued to find new audiences ever since. Its longevity comes from the honesty of its storytelling — a love story drawn from real lives. The play’s power lies in its emotional precision, building quietly towards moments that land with devastating clarity. This is not a spectacle-led play — it’s intimate, thoughtful and deeply affecting, making it a favourite for audiences who love intelligent storytelling and performances that linger long after the curtain call. ### **A Little More About C.S. Lewis** While many know C.S. Lewis as the creator of Narnia, his writing stretched far beyond fantasy. A scholar, essayist and thinker, Lewis explored faith, love and loss across both fiction and non-fiction — themes that sit at the very centre of Shadowlands. This play offers a rare glimpse behind the books. ### **Shadowlands Reviews: What Critics Said in Chichester** Critics have praised the production for its emotional intelligence and beautifully restrained performances, with particular acclaim for Bonneville’s portrayal of Lewis — measured, moving, and quietly devastating. Audiences can expect a play that builds gently, speaks honestly, and leaves a lasting impression. ### **Shadowlands Tickets for a Limited West End Run** This revival of Shadowlands plays a strictly limited season at the Aldwych Theatre, making it one of the must-see dramas of early 2026. Shadowlands tickets are in high demand, particularly for fans of Hugh Bonneville and those looking for a powerful, emotionally rich night at the theatre. ### **Shadowlands FAQs** When is Shadowlands playing in London? From 5 February to 9 May 2026. ### Where is Shadowlands showing? At the [Aldwych Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/aldwych-theatre-london), London. ### Who stars in Shadowlands? Hugh Bonneville stars as C.S. Lewis, alongside Maggie Siff as Joy Davidman. ### How long is the show? Running time is to be confirmed. ### Is Shadowlands based on a true story? Yes — the play is inspired by the real relationship between C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman. ### Where can I buy Shadowlands tickets? Shadowlands tickets are available now for the London run. Shadowlands plays in London for a limited season from 5 February to 9 May 2026. Book your [Shadowlands London tickets](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/shadowlands-the-play-tickets) now to experience this unforgettable story of love, faith and what it truly means to let someone in.