Key Highlights
- Maggie Siff to join Hugh Bonneville in the play SHADOWLANDS at Aldwych Theatre.
- The production is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh and designed by Peter McKintosh.
- SHADOWLANDS will run from February 5, 2026, to May 9, 2026, at the Aldwych Theatre.
- C.S. Lewis will be played by BAFTA, Primetime Emmy, and Golden Globe Award nominee Hugh Bonneville.
Introduction to SHADOWLANDS
The West End theater scene is set for a captivating performance with the upcoming production of “SHADOWLANDS” at London’s Aldwych Theatre. This play, based on William Nicholson’s beloved and deeply moving work, promises to resonate with audiences through its exploration of love and life’s fragility.
Cast and Production Details
In a stellar cast announcement, BAFTA, Primetime Emmy, and Golden Globe Award nominee Hugh Bonneville is set to take on the role of C.S. Lewis, the celebrated author of The Chronicles of Narnia. Known for his acclaimed performances in “Downton Abbey,” “Paddington,” and “Twenty Twelve,” Bonneville brings a wealth of experience and talent to this production.
Maggie Siff, renowned for her roles in “Mad Men,” “Sons of Anarchy,” and “Billions,” will portray Joy Davidman.
Siff’s dynamic acting has garnered critical acclaim and is expected to bring a powerful presence to the stage as she transforms C.S. Lewis’s orderly academic life.
Production Team
The production team for “SHADOWLANDS” is led by Rachel Kavanaugh, who previously directed the critically acclaimed play at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2019. Peter McKintosh is responsible for the set design, while Howard Harrison and Fergus O’Hare bring their expertise to lighting and sound respectively.
Joining these creative forces are Annelie Powell CDG and Jim Carnahan, who handle casting duties, ensuring that the play’s cast is both diverse and talented. Jonathan Church Theatre Productions, Trafalgar Theatre Productions, and Tilted present this production, bringing together a collaborative effort to bring Nicholson’s work to life.
Timeline and Engagement
The limited engagement of “SHADOWLANDS” at the Aldwych Theatre is scheduled from Tuesday, February 5, 2026, to Saturday, May 9, 2026. This production offers theater enthusiasts a unique opportunity to experience a critically acclaimed play that has both stage and screen history.
Originally produced by Chichester Festival Theatre in 2019, “SHADOWLANDS” has already earned praise for its storytelling and performances. Its West End transfer is expected to bring the same level of quality and emotional depth that audiences have come to expect from this production.
Background on the Play
“SHADOWLANDS,” written by William Nicholson, is based on his own original BAFTA Award-winning TV movie. The play delves into the true story of Joy Davidman and her relationship with C.S. Lewis, transforming their intellectual meeting into a journey of love and personal growth.
The production’s success in its initial run at Chichester Festival Theatre set the stage for this West End engagement, where it is anticipated to continue its powerful narrative. With a history that includes both stage and screen adaptations, “SHADOWLANDS” stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted drama.
Conclusion
“SHADOWLANDS” at Aldwych Theatre promises to be a poignant and engaging theatrical experience for audiences. With its stellar cast, talented production team, and rich storytelling, this play is sure to captivate theater-goers during its limited run from February 5 to May 9, 2026.
