Review: Shadowlands, Aldwych Theatre

Originally performing at Chichester Festival Theatre with a sold-out run, this production of Shadowlands by William Nicholson now has a limited engagement at the Aldwych Theatre. It stars Hugh Bonneville and Maggie Siff and is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh.

The play tells the story of CS Lewis (known throughout the play as Jack), the Oxford academic and celebrated author of The Chronicles of Narnia, and his unexpected yet revelatory relationship with American poet Joy Davidman. Following the pair as they go from author and fan, to pen pals, to acquaintances, friends, husband and wife, and lovers, it examines the cost of allowing change, opportunity and love into an otherwise ordered and predictable life, and explores what it is to grieve those we love.

Adapted from Nicholson’s original BAFTA Award-winning TV movie, the story is beautifully told on stage, having previously had both an acclaimed West End run and Tony-award winning Broadway transfer before being adapted into a film in 1993. Kavanaugh’s production relies on little set, few props, or complicated costumes, and instead focuses on dialogue and clever movement to portray a deeply emotional story. The pace is perhaps slower than one might expect; however, if anything the first act feels like it moves quickly and the second act provides well deserved moments to pause and reflect. It should be noted that the entire second act depicts illness, loss, and grief in extensive detail, and might be overwhelming for some to watch. The play follows Jack and Joy as they navigate the fragility of life, the possibility of love later in life, and the entwined nature of love and grief.

Bonneville gives a fantastic performance, with quick wit and humorous moments. He delivers engaging dialogue and builds skilfully towards emotional scenes near the end, with outpourings of love and grief that feel intimate and natural. Siff as Joy similarly provides a fantastic performance with humour, a unique perspective on love and life, and powerful interactions with both Jack and her son, Douglas. They are supported by a small but talented ensemble of performers who bring life to CS Lewis’ world.

Shadowlands examines love, loss, hope, and grief in a compelling and engaging way. It is well suited to the stage and enables Bonneville and Siff to give emotion-filled and detailed performances. The play allows the audience to contemplate marriage, divorce, religion, poetry, and philosophy, exploring the possibility of finding love when it is least expected and the belief that grief is a lasting manifestation of all the love we still have to give. A fantastic and powerful production!

Written by William Nicholson
Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh
Designed by Peter McKintosh
Lighting Design by Howard Harrison
Sound Design by Fergus O’Hare
Music by Catherine Jayes
Movement Direction by Georgina Lamb
Hair and Make-up Design by Carole Hancock

Shadowlands plays at Aldwych Theatre until Saturday 9 May.