Shadowlands at Aldwych Theatre Review
Image: Johan Persson
Written by Annie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Based on the 1985 television film, Shadowlands first debuted in the West End in 1989 to great critical acclaim. Now, it has returned home again after a highly praised run at Chichester Festival in 2019, and the play clearly is as strong today as it was almost 40 years ago.
Following the unexpected love story of the much adored C.S.Lewis and Joy Davidman, the play takes you on the journey of their blossoming relationship and the fragility of life. William Nicholson’s script is a work of art - it is so refreshing to see such a simple yet raw story unfold on stage - not hiding behind any eccentricities. His writing is beautifully organic and human, instantly allowing you to resonate and sympathise with the characters. What starts as a compelling meeting of minds, and then follows a slow burn romance, with an impending gloom shrouding the timeline, is a humble yet warming play which genuinely makes you feel like you know the characters personally, and feel every emotion they are processing.Nicholson writes with great care and respect, and has mastered the art of capturing real emotion in the script, which is what makes this story so successful in returning to the stage almost 4 decades on.
Leading the cast is Hugh Bonneville as C.S.Lewis, and Maggie Siff as Joy Davidson, the pair play off of one another with such beautiful care and balance, the unfolding romance feels truly organic. It is no secret that Bonneville is a talented actor, but his opening and closing monologues are performed with such conviction and natural ease the entire auditorium hangs on his every word, hypnotised by the measured cadences of his performance. Siff is a beautifully effortless actress, bringing a fresh modernity to Joy, whilst still feeling timeless. As a duo, the pair’s unassuming chemistry only aids the beauty of the script, which in turn makes the show the great success that it is.
Jeff Rawle is a wonderful addition as the loveable W.H. Lewis, supporting his brother through this unexpected journey and respects Joy so graciously. Douglas (split performed by Ayrton English, Nathan Jago and Louis Wilkins) is such a sweet character, bringing childlike optimism and naivety to the show, it enables the soft moments of escapism to break up the otherwise heavy narrative.
Rachel Kavanaugh’s direction truly honours the beauty and simplicity of this show. It feels real and considered, and honours the fragility of love and the beauty in the smaller moments in life. Kavanaugh ensures that the script is the star of this production, not over complicating matters, allowing Nicholson’s genius dialogue to be translated onto the stage as the most honest interpretation possible.
Peter McKintosh’s set design cleverly transports you back to 1950’s England, feeling quintessentially British, and celebrates both real life, and the magic from Lewis’ books, with bookcases from floor to ceiling around the entire stage, and drawing apart at quieter moments, transporting you to a Narnia-like world, creating that hopeful fantasy in between the harder moments in life.
Howard Harrison’s lighting excellently brings the stage to life, playing into the both the naturalistic and fantasy worlds, defining each cleverly and enhancing the emotion of the play. Music by Catherine Jayes creates a film like escapism for the play, bringing nostalgic warmth to the story, and paired with Fergus O’Hare’s sound design, the music is a beautiful addition to the beauty of this production.
Perhaps the only element which could be sleeker, were the scene changes. With Bonneville and Siff on stage for almost the entirety of the play, some scene changes were a little stilted, but on the whole the show was slick and the use of the revolving stage ensured most scene changes were effortless and carried the story on well.
Shadowlands is an incredibly special play, and it’s a pleasure to see it return to the West End with a new gaze on it, whilst still honouring its beauty and history. Despite the heartbreaking narrative, the show is incredibly heartwarming and optimistic, and masterfully celebrates the beauty of life.
Shadowlands plays at Aldwych Theatre until 9th May.
️️️️️ ★★★★
