Plays

Shadowlands Tickets

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.

Flexible cancellation

Get full refund for a small fee if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.

Duration

2 hrs 20 mins

Age Limit

Suitable for 12+ yrs

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(224)

Hilary S

Couple

Verified booking

May 2026

The show was great. Only problem was the seating: myself and my daughter are both slim/normal size women, so were fine with the narrow seats in the top of the grand circle. The man next to us was very large and overweight, and spread his body over half of my daughter's seat...unpleasant to have his legs rubbing against hers! We tried to squash up on my seat, but the more we moved, he just took up more soace! Luckily we could move to some empty seats lower down in the interval. The size of the seat is stated when booking, but maybe add a warning that they're not suitable for large/tall people....even though they are cheaper seats, it's still an expensive night out, and frankly, this spoilt the first half for us, as was uncomfortable physically and emotionally.

Mrs Juliet K

Group

Verified booking

May 2026

I rarely go to the theatre and so even the theatre itself was interesting and I felt like a rich person! Hugh Bonneville was brilliant as CS Lewis and also the actress playing Joy. It was funny, it was moving, stirring, thought provoking, - a wonderful time with my friends. The voices were a bit quiet though from where we were sitting. That's the only thing I'd change. Maybe they could wear mikes or something to amplify their voices.

Lindsay G

Solo

Verified booking

May 2026

What a gorgeous show. I have seen the movie many times, so I thought I knew what to expect, but the performers managed to offer us humor mixed with deep loss, which left many of us in the audience laughing through our tears. It's not often that a performance will make you laugh, cry, and leave you with lessons that stay with you long after the curtain has come down.

Dennis S

Couple

Verified booking

May 2026

Shadowlands is an intense and challenging theatrical performance. The lead actors, Hugh Bonneville and Maggie Siff, not only offer memorable portrayals of their characters, they leave you with profound questions to consider afterwards. It's a show you don't want to miss nor one you'll easily forget.

Anthony J

Couple

Verified booking

May 2026

Excellent cast, heard almost every word ( from row Y). Hugh B. Simply superb. Good theatre evening overall. All staff friendly and professional. Bar efficient snd speedy. FOH person gave my wife a booster seat. All in all a memorable evening

John W

Solo

Verified booking

May 2026

The acting was majestic and very professional. It's a very emotional play and the 2 lead characters performance is something that will stay with the audience for a very long time. 5 stars.

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.

224 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.
200
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Guests from United States, Canada, Germany and over 18 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Hilary S
Couple
Verified booking
May 2026
The show was great. Only problem was the seating: myself and my daughter are both slim/normal size women, so were fine with the narrow seats in the top of the grand circle. The man next to us was very large and overweight, and spread his body over half of my daughter's seat...unpleasant to have his legs rubbing against hers! We tried to squash up on my seat, but the more we moved, he just took up more soace! Luckily we could move to some empty seats lower down in the interval. The size of the seat is stated when booking, but maybe add a warning that they're not suitable for large/tall people....even though they are cheaper seats, it's still an expensive night out, and frankly, this spoilt the first half for us, as was uncomfortable physically and emotionally.
Oliver S
Couple
Verified booking
May 2026
I liked the play; knowing something of the background I grasped the way in which the relationship between Jack and Joy developed - emphasis very much on Jack's persepctive. I like the way margaret Siff inhacited the role of Joy. My main beef is that for all his qualities, I dpon;t think Hugh Bonneville was the right actor to cast as CS Lewis - northern Irish, bluff; Bonneville was too quiet voiced (southern English). It must however have been very testing for him to play the second act night by night through a longish season. As other have commented, the Aldwych doesn't offer much in the way of leg room.
Mrs Juliet K
Group
Verified booking
May 2026
I rarely go to the theatre and so even the theatre itself was interesting and I felt like a rich person! Hugh Bonneville was brilliant as CS Lewis and also the actress playing Joy. It was funny, it was moving, stirring, thought provoking, - a wonderful time with my friends. The voices were a bit quiet though from where we were sitting. That's the only thing I'd change. Maybe they could wear mikes or something to amplify their voices.
Lindsay G
Solo
Verified booking
May 2026
What a gorgeous show. I have seen the movie many times, so I thought I knew what to expect, but the performers managed to offer us humor mixed with deep loss, which left many of us in the audience laughing through our tears. It's not often that a performance will make you laugh, cry, and leave you with lessons that stay with you long after the curtain has come down.
Dennis S
Couple
Verified booking
May 2026
Shadowlands is an intense and challenging theatrical performance. The lead actors, Hugh Bonneville and Maggie Siff, not only offer memorable portrayals of their characters, they leave you with profound questions to consider afterwards. It's a show you don't want to miss nor one you'll easily forget.

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.