Shadowlands tickets

Shadowlands is a compelling drama about the unexpected love between C.S. Lewis and American poet Joy Davidman. Starring Hugh Bonneville, this award-winning production is showing for a limited run at Aldwych Theatre.

What is the plot of Shadowlands?

Shadowlands tells the story of Oxford academic Clive Staples Lewis, better known C.S. Lewis, the beloved author of The Chronicles of Narnia. On meeting American poet Joy Davidman, a deep friendship develops which gradually grows into love.

As their bond strengthens, Lewis is compelled to confront his long-held beliefs around faith, grief and loss. This poignant drama explores themes of love, emotional vulnerability, and spiritual transformation, offering a moving portrait of a man changed by love and heartbreak.

What to expect

Set in 1950s Oxford, Shadowlands is a deeply emotional drama starring Hugh Bonneville as C.S. Lewis. This award-winning production offers a powerful reflection on faith and suffering, brought to life through compelling performances and elegant staging and design.

The production features evocative set and costume design by Olivier Award-winning designer Peter McKintosh, music by Catherine Jayes, and lighting by Howard Harrison, enriching the story by playwright William Nicholson, that shifts between the scholarly world of Oxford and intimate moments of personal revelation.

Originally a BAFTA-winning television drama, Shadowlands has enjoyed success on stage and screen, including a celebrated film adaptation starring Anthony Hopkins. This revival, directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, brings fresh insight to a timeless story of transformation through love.

Book Shadowlands theatre tickets

Don’t miss out – book your tickets online with Visit London using the booking button on this page.

View the seating plan to choose your seats for this award-winning new show, with prices displayed on the map. You can choose from seated options in the stalls, dress circle and grand circle, all of which offer a good view of the stage, with the stalls providing the closest and most immersive experience.

Aldwych Theatre venue details

Shadowlands is playing at the Aldwych Theatre in Holborn, close to Covent Garden.

How to get there:

• Underground - the nearest tube station is Covent Garden (Piccadilly line), Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines) and Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines).
• Bus - You can catch the following buses which stop nearby: 1, 4, 11, 15, 68 and 98.
• Cycling - Hire a Santander Cycles bike and head to the Aldwych Theatre. Kingsway Southbound on the Strand is the nearest Santander Cycles dock.

Shadowlands FAQs

Is Shadowlands a true story?

Shadowlands is based on the true story of C.S. Lewis, whose life is transformed when he falls in love with American poet Joy Davidman.

What is the running time of Shadowlands?

The running time for Shadowlands is two hours 20 minutes, including one interval.

Who is the Shadowlands cast?

Be captivated by powerful performances from a thoughtfully chosen ensemble who bring emotional depth to this moving story. Leading the Shadowlands cast is award-winning actor Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Paddington and Notting Hill) as C.S. Lewis, with direction by Rachel Kavanaugh, celebrated for her elegant and heartfelt storytelling.

Other cast members include Jeff Rawle (Doc Martin, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) as Major W.H. Lewis, Tony Jayawardena (Bend It Like Beckham The Musical, RSC’s The Tempest) as Rev. Harry Harrington, and Timothy Watson (The Archers, Murder on the Orient Express) as Professor Christopher Riley.

What other plays can I see in London?

Discover more top shows in London’s West End, including the award-winning play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which brings a new generation of wizards to the Palace Theatre stage, and the critically acclaimed dark comedy Oh Mary!, showing at the Trafalgar Theatre.