REVIEW

Powerful throughout
Barry Dougall

This memorable and poignant play is concerned with the real life relationship between CS Lewis, scholar, Christian theologian, probably best known as author of The Narnia Chronicles, and poet Joy Gresham.

Lewis, known as Jack, meets with up with Joy who admires his work and gradually a relationship builds between them which develops into love and they marry.

Joy is an outspoken Jewish American whose feisty presence and growing relationship with Lewis causes a stir within the rather fusty, male dominated world of Oxford academia. Tragically, Joy develops terminal cancer which tests Lewis's Christian beliefs to the limit.

This was an accomplished production, and most impressive was the “truth” in the performances of Alex Page-Bailey, Meryl Couper and John Myhill.

Staunch support

Alex Page-Bailey was well cast as Lewis: powerful throughout, especially in the very emotional final scenes when he breaks down whilst trying to explain Joy's death to her young son, Douglas. Similarly, Meryl Couper was excellent as Joy: formidable, and not suffering fools gladly but still showing a vulnerable side.

As usual John Myhill gave a thoroughly entertaining performance as Warnie, responsible for most of the moments of humour and lightness. John is an actor who “listens” onstage, and can always be relied upon to ad lib humorously the show back on course should any of those little “hiccups” associated with any live performance happen.

Staunch support was provided by Tony Janney, Elizabeth Allen and Greg Dolman in several roles, Craig Macpherson and Chris Stobart as the “Dons” and young Oliver Eales-Rahn as Douglas.

Fully asorbed

As well as directing this production and designing the set, the multitasking chair of Masque Theatre, Rob Kendall, also appeared onstage in two character roles. Senior Masquers amongst us may remember Rob playing “Warnie” in a Playhouse production over 20 years ago.

Maybe my old “shell-likes” are starting to malfunction but I did find some of the dialogue difficult to pick up occasionally. At these moments I recalled that old Masque legend Barry Hillman, who when directing rehearsals would interject at such occurrences: “More voice, Ducks!”

The audience were obviously regulars at the Holy Sepulchre, and familiar with its less than balmy environment, as they were dressed appropriately, indeed they might have been mistaken for attendees at a Scott of the Antarctic tribute night.

It was to the considerable credit of the actors that despite the challenging ambient temperature of the ancient Crusader Church, those present were fully absorbed with the drama being enacted. Congratulations to all involved with the production.

Oliver Eales-Rahn as Douglas and Alex Page-Bailey as CS Lewis

PREVIEW

Complex and tender
Rob Kendall, director

Step into the poignant and inspiring world of Shadowlands by William Nicholson, a play that brings to life the true story of C.S. Lewis, the beloved author of The Chronicles of Narnia, and his unexpected journey through love, loss, and self discovery.

Set in 1950s Oxford, Shadowlands invites you into the private life of this celebrated writer, taking you behind the intellectual walls of his esteemed literary circle and into his soul stirring romance with the bold and witty American poet, Joy Davidman.

This beautifully written play delves into the complex and tender connection between Lewis and Joy—a love story that surprises them both with its intensity and depth.

Known for his steadfast Christian faith and reserved English demeanour, Lewis finds himself challenged by Joy’s refreshing honesty, her humour, and her unapologetically American spirit.

Their relationship, beginning with letters and intellectual discussions, blossoms into something that shakes Lewis’s beliefs to the core and ultimately brings him face-to-face with the vulnerability and power of true love.

Whether you’re a fan of C.S. Lewis’ work, love stories that challenge the heart, or thought provoking drama, Shadowlands is a production that you won’t want to miss.

Join us for an unforgettable evening that celebrates love, courage, and the strength it takes to embrace life’s most challenging questions.

Narnia

Perhaps not all you have heard of the play Shadowlands by Ben Nicholson, but I'm sure all of you know about the Narnia stories and in particular, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe all originally created by C.S. Lewis who is the main protagonist of this biographical play that references his children's magical stories as well as the 'love' of his life.

Set in Oxford of the 1950's it is more than just a story about a writer but more about his voyage of his own personal emotional discovery when he meets up with an American 'fan', Joy Gresham, who has travelled to England to meet him (along with her young son Douglas).


Love story

Unexpectedly there blossoms a "love" story between them tempered by the mores of academic life and his 'confirmed bachelorhood' expectations. Be prepared to be taken on a gentle journey of emotional discovery that begins with a shared passion for writing engaging children's stories.

To bring you into this world of Lewis and Joy we have actor Alex Page-Bailey as Lewis, Meryl Couper as Joy, Oliver Rahn as Douglas, John Myhill as Warnie, (Lewis' sceptical brother). Plus Oxford's academic life being created by Craig McPearson as Riley), Chris Stobart as Harrington, Tony Janney as Gregg and Greg Dolman as Oakley with Liz Allan as the Registrar.

I knew of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe story in early 70s but became aware of the play in 1989 when Nigel Hawthorne played the Lewis role. Some of you might be old enough to remember Nigel as a budding actor in the 1960s at the Royal Theatre, Northampton - long before it became Royal & Derngate and well before h e created the title role on stage and film in The Madness of King George II - and I've still got his autograph to boot! I was re-reminded of the play when I created the set and also played 'Warnie', Lewis's brother, - to Barry Douglas's Lewis at the Playhouse in the late 90s and have since then wanted to direct it.

However, even if you're not familiar with the Narnia stories, you can't help but be entranced with this subtle and gentle humoured exploration of unexpected love as it unfolds and deals equally with the frailty of life and love.