Full casting has been revealed for the highly anticipated West End production of William Nicholson’s Shadowlands, which opens at London’s Aldwych Theatre from 5 February to 9 May 2026.
As previously announced, Hugh Bonneville will play C.S. Lewis, the celebrated author of The Chronicles of Narnia, whose orderly academic life is transformed by an unexpected love. Maggie Siff will star as American poet Joy Davidman.
They will be joined by Jeff Rawle as Major W.H. Lewis (Warnie), Tony Jayawardena as Rev. Harry Harrington, and Timothy Watson as Professor Christopher Riley. The cast also includes Rebecca Blackstone, Nigel Fyfe, Jemma Geanaus, Sharan Phull, Leighton Pugh, Fode Simbo, Ernest Stroud and Giles Taylor.
Ayrton English, Nathan Jago and Louis Wilkins will alternate the role of Douglas, Joy Davidman’s eight-year-old son.
What begins as a meeting of minds becomes an uplifting and powerful journey of love and the fragile beauty of life.
Based on a true story, Shadowlands was adapted by William Nicholson from his BAFTA Award-winning TV movie. The play became a West End smash-hit, winning the Evening Standard Award for Best Play, followed by a Tony Award-winning Broadway transfer. It was later adapted into a major feature film starring Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger.
Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, Shadowlands is presented by Jonathan Church Theatre Productions, Trafalgar Theatre Productions and Tilted. The creative team includes designer Peter McKintosh, lighting designer Howard Harrison and sound designer Fergus O’Hare.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
