Plays

Shadowlands Tickets

Name: Shadowlands
Start: 2026-04-10T19:30:00
End: 2026-04-10T21:50:00
Location: Aldwych Theatre

Child and elderly man playing chess on stage during Shadowlands performance, Westend.

Stage scene from Shadowlands performance, West End, featuring actors in a library setting.

Stage performance of "Shadowlands" in West End with actors in period costumes at a table.

Stage scene from Shadowlands, Westend, featuring two actors in an emotional embrace.

Duration

2 hr 20 min

Shadowlands brings the powerful, true story of C.S. Lewis to life at London’s Aldwych Theatre. Witness a tale of unexpected love and heartbreaking loss, starring Hugh Bonneville.

4.8/5

(95)

Irina P

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

AMAZING actors, play, dramatically successfully done. Huge Bonneville as Clive was genius. We must have much more plays like this. It was a peace of very high artistism and ... The moral idea is perfect! I will tell everybody in Canada about that show ! GREAT AND FENOMENAL! ...especially during MORAL and ethical crisis around the world. THANKS A LOT TO ALL of ACToRS, PRODUCERS, - EVERYBODY who makes that play!

Trevor H

Couple

Verified booking

3 days ago

Shadowlands was an excellent show ,with a really great cast. Hugh and Maggie were excellent in the lead roles with a fine supporting cast. The Aldych theatre was a very good venue with excellent views from the grand circle. The play which is a traditional English play pickedu up pace after a rather slow start . Very enjoyable

Jill H

Couple

Verified booking

Feb 2026

Hugh Bonneville was outstanding and didn't leave the stage the whole time, the scenery changes etc were brilliant, everything was just seamless........it was however not a happy story so it's odd to say you enjoyed something which was essentially the retelling of a very sad chapter in someone's life.....but we did

Laura C

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

The acting was superb! Clearly a standing ovation . The play was incredibly touching . Funny , heartbreaking and dealing with the basic questions our existence . One of the best written and acted plays I've seen in years and I originally hail from New York Ciry .

Sarah B

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

The acting was superb; you could feel the emotion even from the very back row. The use of lighting and set design was also stunning. I would happily go back again and again to let the themes, dialogues, and monologues sink in more deeply.

Jennifer O

Couple

Verified booking

Feb 2026

This was my favorite show of five I've seen this week! Absolutely charming story, sad and funny, and the acting was superb! I loved the simplicity of the set designs. Heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Bravo!

All LTD/Entertainment show general inclusions

All LTD/Entertainment show general exclusions

Step into the intimate world of C.S. Lewis, where an unlikely love story blossoms against the backdrop of grief, faith, and the quest for meaning in a tumultuous time.

Hugh Bonneville delivers an unforgettable performance, capturing the vulnerability and complexity of one of the 20th century's most beloved authors.

Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, this critically acclaimed production delves deep into human emotions, offering a rich exploration of love, loss, and transformation.

Shadowlands takes you beyond the familiar landscapes of The Chronicles of Narnia, offering a window into the personal struggles that shaped C.S. Lewis's heart and mind.

The story

Shadowlands unfolds the true story of C.S. Lewis, the renowned author of The Chronicles of Narnia, whose life is transformed by his relationship with American poet Joy Davidman. Set in 1950s Oxford, the play explores themes of love, faith, and the human condition. As their bond deepens, Lewis grapples with the complexities of faith and the inevitability of loss. The narrative challenges his previously held beliefs, leading to a profound personal transformation.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

95 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United States, Canada, Germany and over 15 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Irina P
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
AMAZING actors, play, dramatically successfully done. Huge Bonneville as Clive was genius. We must have much more plays like this. It was a peace of very high artistism and ... The moral idea is perfect! I will tell everybody in Canada about that show ! GREAT AND FENOMENAL! ...especially during MORAL and ethical crisis around the world. THANKS A LOT TO ALL of ACToRS, PRODUCERS, - EVERYBODY who makes that play!
Trevor H
Couple
Verified booking
3 days ago
Shadowlands was an excellent show ,with a really great cast. Hugh and Maggie were excellent in the lead roles with a fine supporting cast. The Aldych theatre was a very good venue with excellent views from the grand circle. The play which is a traditional English play pickedu up pace after a rather slow start . Very enjoyable
Laura C
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
The acting was superb! Clearly a standing ovation . The play was incredibly touching . Funny , heartbreaking and dealing with the basic questions our existence . One of the best written and acted plays I've seen in years and I originally hail from New York Ciry .
Sarah B
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
The acting was superb; you could feel the emotion even from the very back row. The use of lighting and set design was also stunning. I would happily go back again and again to let the themes, dialogues, and monologues sink in more deeply.
Edit B
Solo
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Excellent writing and acting! The play didn't have one minute when it was boring. I would highly recommend it. I went for the afternoon performance amd it was almost completely sold out. Excellent performance and writing!

Show details

Genre: Plays

Audience: Suitable for 12+ yrs

Theater name: Aldwych Theatre

Theater facilities: restrooms, bar, cloakroom

Theater accessibility: wheelchair accessible, step-free access, access performances, hearing assistance

Dress code: Smart casual

Cast & crew

Leading roles: Hugh Bonneville as C.S. Lewis, Lara Rossi as Joy Davidman

Director: Rachel Kavanaugh

Producer: Dominic Madden

Playwright: William Nicholson

Set designer: Miriam Buether

Costume designer: Sue Blane

Additional info

This show is suitable for ages 12 and above.

Content warning: The play contains themes of grief, loss, and emotional trauma. Viewer discretion is advised.

Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!

Most theatres are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.