Shadowlands tickets
About Shadowlands
Don’t miss William Nicholson’s gorgeous play Shadowlands, following a sold-out run. This play is based on true events in the life of C.S. Lewis, who is played by BAFTA, Emmy, and Golden Globe nominee Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Paddington, Twenty Twelve), alongside Maggie Siff (Mad Men, Sons of Anarchy, Billions), who plays Joy Davidman. Book Shadowlands tickets on TodayTix.
Shadowlands is a play about the one and only C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman, the American poet whose presence in Lewis’ life changes him in ways he never could have expected. This play celebrates the coming together of two brilliant individuals, which quickly becomes something devastating and life-changing as Lewis learns the love of his life is dying from cancer.
This show is tender, funny, and massively devastating as it deals with themes of uncertainty and the testing of faith. This is surely a night out at the theatre that audiences are not soon to forget.
Run time
2hr 20min. Incl. 1 Interval.
Venue
Categories
Age
Ages 12+. Under 5s cannot be admitted to the theatre. Children aged 15 or under must be accompanied by an adult (at least one adult per 10 children). All patrons, regardless of age, must have a valid ticket.
Start date
5th February, 2026
End date
9th May, 2026
“A deeply moving story of love, faith and loss”
Love, Loss and Luminous Performances
Audiences are overwhelmingly captivated by this tender portrayal of C.S. Lewis's late-in-life romance, praising Hugh Bonneville's masterful performance as the emotionally guarded Oxford don transforme...
What It Feels Like
- Deeply moving
- Quietly profound
- Heartwarming
You’ll Love This If…
- You appreciate beautifully acted, emotionally intelligent drama
- You enjoy stories exploring faith, grief and human connection
- You value witty dialogue balanced with genuine pathos
A very emotional & occasionally funny well acted play
A serious show of love and dedication giving us a glimpse of an intimate part of Lewis' life. Some parts are delivered with humour especially by Joy. Exceeded my expectations and a real treat to see Hugh live on set.
Brilliant acting with a good story and emotional
Stars on stage
Hugh Bonneville
Shadowlands cast and creative team
By: William Nicholson
Director: Rachel Kavanaugh
Cast list: Hugh Bonneville
Venue
Directions
Location: West End
Bus numbers: (Aldwych) RV1, X68, 1, 6, 11, 13, 23, 59, 68, 87, 91, 139, 168, 171, 172, 188, 243; (Strand) 4, 9, 15, 26, 76, 176, 341
Night bus numbers: (Aldwych) 6, 23, 139, 188, 243, N1, N11, N13, N26, N47, N68, N87, N89, N91, N155, N171, N551, N343; (Strand) 176, 341, N9, N15, N21, N44, N76
Car park: Drury Lane, Parker Street (5mins)
Directions from Charing Cross Station: (10mins) Head out onto the main road Strand. Cross street where possible and go right. When you reach the fork, veer left onto Aldwych.
More information about Shadowlands
Shadowlands in London is not just a love story, but a story of great transformation. Lewis, once a man of great intellect with confidence in the principles he teaches others, becomes devastated by emotion as any man would in the face of great turmoil.
Written by William Nicholson and adapted from his 1985 BAFTA Award-winning television film, Shadowlands is a great combination of wit and emotional devastation. This gorgeous reimagining of this tale is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, who breathes new life into it.
This magnificent production could not be done without the creative team, including director Rachel Kavanaugh, designer Peter McKintosh, lighting designer Howard Harrison, sound designer Fergus O’Hare, and casting by Annelie Powell CDG and Jim Carnahan.
Shadowlands promises to make you laugh while forcing you to think about the reality of the cost of great love, seeing that while love can bring you pain, it can also change you forever in the best ways.
What to watch for
- There is a 1993 film adaptation of Shadowlands directed by Richard Attenborough that stars Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger.
- Three separate child actors are sharing the role of Douglas.
- This stage play became a major hit and won the Evening Standard Award for Best Play.
- Shadowlands was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play.
Frequently asked questions
What is Shadowlands about?
Don’t miss BAFTA, Emmy, and Golden Globe nominee Hugh Bonneville alongside Maggie Siff in this gorgeous reimagining of William Nicholson’s tragic play, Shadowlands, which Rachel Kavanaugh masterfully directs.
How do you get tickets for Shadowlands?
Check the top of this page for current availability on Shadowlands tickets on TodayTix.
What is the running time of Shadowlands?
Shadowlands runs for 2hr 20min. Incl. 1 Interval.
Which theatre is Shadowlands at?
Shadowlands is at London's Aldwych Theatre, which is located at 49 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4DF.
What is the age recommendation for Shadowlands?
Ages 12+. Under 5s cannot be admitted to the theatre. Children aged 15 or under must be accompanied by an adult (at least one adult per 10 children). All patrons, regardless of age, must have a valid ticket.
Who wrote Shadowlands?
William Nicholson is the playwright.
Who directed Shadowlands?
Rachel Kavanaugh stages the show.
Is Shadowlands appropriate for kids?
Shadowlands is best for those 12 and over. Children under the age of five are not allowed into the theatre, and anyone 15 or under must be accompanied by an adult.
Is Shadowlands good?
Shadowlands is incredibly moving and manages to find humour even within its grief. It is a rich production that builds to a beautiful payoff, one that audiences will take with them long after the show is over.
Tickets
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
Get the latest updates on Shadowlands
Sign up to our mailing list to receive exclusive offers, new show ticket alerts and seasonal promotions. You can unsubscribe at any time.
