Text reading 'The Uplifting C.S. Lewis Story' in brown and yellow letters.
Five gold stars in a row with a quote that says "A theatrical triumph".
Text on black background reads: 'The Uplifting C.S. Lewis Story'
Image showcasing a five-star review graphic with the caption 'A theatrical triumph'.

‘Tremendous. Bonneville dazzles as C.S. Lewis in this divine revival’

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.

Four white stars aligned horizontally against a black background.

‘Tremendous.
Bonneville dazzles
as C.S. Lewis in
this divine revival’

The Guardian

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 London’s Aldwych Theatre from 5 February.

Five gold stars arranged in a row with shadows against a blue background.

A brilliant, moving evocation of life, love and loss’

Chichester Post

A four-star rating graphic with three gold stars and one gray star.

‘A haunting production’

Sunday Times

A four-star rating graphic with two filled gold stars and two outlined stars.

‘Impressive’

Evening Standard

Four gold stars with a blue background.

‘Will bring tears
to your eyes’

Daily Mail

Three silver stars with a partial fourth star, against a neutral background.

‘Entertaining, funny,
deeply touching’

WhatsOnStage

Five gold stars with a shadow, evenly spaced on a shiny surface.

A brilliant, moving
evocation of life, love and loss’

Chichester Post

Four gold stars with three filled and one unfilled on a beige background.

‘A haunting production’

Sunday Times

Four silver stars with black shadows on a beige background.

‘Impressive’

Evening Standard

Three gold stars aligned horizontally, with a blank space indicating a four-star rating.

‘Will bring tears to your eyes’

Daily Mail

Four gold stars aligned horizontally.

‘Entertaining, funny,
deeply touching’

WhatsOnStage

Booking Information

5 February – 9 May 2026

BOOK NOW

Ticket Prices
Tickets from £30

Running Time
2hrs 20mins inc. interval

Age Guidance
12+

For full Access and Facilities information, please call 020 7836 5537 or visit the Aldwych Theatre website for more information.

Text reading 'ALDWYCH THEATRE' in white on a black background.

49 Aldwych, London WC2B 4DF

 

Cast

Hugh Bonneville
C.S. Lewis

Further casting to be announced