Chichester Festival see two of its highly acclaimed productions opening in the West End this month. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry saw its press night on Tuesday 10th February and Shadowlands directed by Rachel Kavanaugh press night on Friday 13th February.

Hugh Bonneville and debut West End actor Maggie Siff star as the renowned author CS Lewis often referred to as Jack and the American poet Joy Davidman. The couple met through regular correspondence at first. Joy intrigues Lewis and when the couple finally meet their friendship develops, albeit incredibly slowly.

CS Lewis is guarded around his emotions and as an older bachelor he has accepted that his writing and life are his lot and he has become accepting of that. Upon meeting Joy, something begins to change and it’s not until he faces losing her that his emotions finally open up.

The first act can feel drawn out in places and very emotionally stifled. However, in Act Two this buildup within the characters’ emotions becomes clear as the relationship develops and Lewis learns how to “feel” and becomes deeply connected with another person.

The stage is dominated by huge towering bookshelves full of leather-bound books created by stage designer Peter McKintosh. Leaving a couple of empty shelves in the centre to act as areas used throughout the play by Lewis and Joy.

Bonneville and Siff have a superb rapport on stage complimenting one another. Two actors I would like to see work together in the future. 

One character that remains constant in Jack’s life is his brother, Major W.H. Lewis, played by Jeff Rawle. The brothers live together in relative harmony. Although he is surprised when he learns that Joy is moving in with them without any warning.

Watching plays set in history such as Shadowlands you have to remember that emotions and feelings were not discussed and opened up about the same as we are encouraged to do now. Lewis understood what it was to grieve after losing his Mother as a young boy and it’s understandable why he took so long to trust in himself and let someone else into his life, with love there is thevrisk of hurt and it takes courage to accept one knowing that the other will follow. Bonneville captures that closed-off part of Lewis’s emotions perfectly.

Although the storyline has the potential to be a tear-jerker. I didn’t personally shed a tear, but it’s very moving in places and the darker moments are delivered with a sense of “stiff upper lip Britishness” allowing you to feel every emotion without necessarily outwardly responding.

For more information about Shadowlands please use the link below.

Four Stars.

Photo credit Johan Persson.

https://www.shadowlandsplay.com/