Shadowlands
Wyndham's Theatre, London from 3rd October to 15th December 2007
Charles Dance stars in this first major revival of the
acclaimed Shadowlands by William Nicholson. This intensely, moving play charts
the extraordinary true love story between C.S. Lewis and Joy
Gresham, played
by award-winning actress Janie Dee. Famous in his day as a scholar and a
broadcaster, he is perhaps best known today as the author of the classic
books The Chronicles of Narnia. A confirmed bachelor into his fifties, he
met and married this remarkable American woman, known for her outspoken views
and acerbic wit, and their astonishing story has become a testament to the
unpredictable nature of love and its enduring legacy.
For
all additional information and booking details visit the official web site: www.wyndhams-theatre.com
This is a magnificent revival with a masterful central performance by Charles
Dance. It is in fact one of the finest performances I have seen in many years
and one that simply must not be missed.
Shadowlands tells the story of an unlikely friendship between C.S Lewis
and American poet Joy Davidson that blossoms slowly into love and then loss.
The subtlety of emotion moved the entire audience to tears and the superb
wit of the piece had all doubled with laughter.
Charles Dance and Janie Dee’s stage partnership powered the piece
and was totally believable as it moved from an awkward first meeting to friendship
and love much to the scorn of his stuffy Oxford colleagues.
With brilliant support from the likes of John Standing and Richard Durden
we have a glimpse into an England that is lost to time but emotions that
are still relevant to all.
You do not need to have an interest in the works of C.S Lewis as this is
a story of personal awakening and realising too late what we have around
us.
I highly recommend this first offering from the new Richmond Theatre Productions
and director Michael Barker-Caven. They have weaved a magical offering that
worthy of C. S. Lewis himself. 
My
Theatre Review
"A beautiful and touching play .. a joy to the
end" Daily
Express
"Strongly comic throughout" The Times
"Engrossing and entertaining, well crafted and brilliant" New York
Post
"If the elegant Charles Dance seemed unlikely casting as
the shambling donnish author CS Lewis, his performance in crumpled corduroys
is a masterpiece of characterisation" John Thaxter, The Stage
"It is the two central performances that give Shadowlands
wings. Janie Deet is on the button as Joy: perky, invasive, annoying and
true. Charles Dance, lean, slippered and short on whiskery bluffness, at
first looks like strange casting for Lewis. The opposite proves the case"
Susannah Clapp, The
Guardian
Audience's reviews:
I watched this with a friend who has just started accompanying
me to the theatre. She said it was the 1st time she has been emotionally
moved by a show. She didn't realize a story could be acted and shown in with
such Truth. Charles Dance gives an idiosyncratic performance. He plays C.S
Lewis with a live vulnerability. He is an actor that gives a lot. Sometimes
the show slows down during the long scene changes.The young boy in it gives
a slightly demonic performance and is a little stacato. Overall a beautiful
piece of work.
Phillip
Whiteman (25) London
