Shadowlands

The Barn Theatre, Southwick Community Centre

October 4, 5, 6, 7 2023

by William Nicholson

2023 BHAC Full Length Drama Competition
– Best Supporting Actor : Mike Wells for Major W. H. Lewis
– Best Lighting Design : Martin Oakley and Susanne Crosby
– Best Publicity : Susanne Crosby and Judith Berrill
– Best Technical : for projection design – Susanne Crosby, Julian Batstone, Phil Nair-Brown

“based on a true story”
– Susanne Crosby –

Cast

C S Lewis – Jack – Bob Ryder

Joy Greasham, née Davidman – Nicola Russell

Major W. H. Lewis (“Warnie”) – Mike Wells

Douglas – Zac Emerson

Professor Christopher Riley – James Doyle

Rev, “Harry” Harrington – Julian Batstone

Dr. Alan Gregg / Dr. Oakley / Priest / Registrar’s Clerk – Peter Joyce

Nurse / Registrar / Customer / Waitress – Lauren Brakes

Doctor – Sam Razavi

Production Crew

Director – Susanne Crosby

Producer – Julian Batstone

Stage Manager – Guy Steddon

Deputy Stage Manager – Peter Dilloway

Lighting Design – Martin Oakley

Lighting Design – Susanne Crosby

Lighting Operation Martin Oakley

Lighting Operation – Torrin Gieler

Lighting Operation – Dan Dryer

Projection Design – Susanne Crosby

Projection Design – Julian Batstone

Projection Design – Phil Nair-Brown

Sound Design – Susanne Crosby

Sound Design – Bob Ryder

Sound Operation – Jeff Woodford

Costume Design and Wardrobe – Maggi Pierce

Costume Design and Wardrobe – Cherry Fraser

Properties – Di Tidzer

Properties – Lauren Brakes

Specialist Properties – Martin Oakley

Specialist Properties – Judith Berrill

Set Design, Construction and Painting – Sue Chaplin

Set Design, Construction and Painting – Dave Comber

Set Design, Construction and Painting – Nigel Goldfinch

Set Design, Construction and Painting – Mike King

Set Design, Construction and Painting – Sue Netley

Set Design, Construction and Painting – Gary Walker

Programme Cover, Flyer Art – Judith Berrill

Publicity and Programme – Susanne Crosby

Programme Note #1: Shadowlands
SC writes: “Welcome! I fell in love with this play the first time I read it: and the fact that it’s based on a poignant true story made it all the more special.

C.S.Lewis is beloved by many for his creation of the stories and the world of Narnia. He was also a man known for his profound faith, as well as his intelligence and talks. Oxford don, traditional, happily stuck in his ways. Then American Poet Joy Gresham and her young son came into his life and almost literally blew out the cobwebs.

I’m so proud of my incredible cast. Their focus on creating fully rounded characters and all the research they each have done on all the real people the characters are based on has breathed such relevance and life into this story.

My thanks go also to the amazing backstage crew who help ensure that all the cogs in this massive wheeel are in place. The biggest hugest thank you to my production mananger Julian Batstone who has been absolutely vital and totally brilliant.

We have maintained authrnticity as much as possible, including all the projections of Oxford, including Joy’s actual house. The exteriros and interiors of Jack’s house: “The Kilns” in Headington, Oxford, are also real.

I found William Nicholson’s play not only beautifully Written but also extremely important. It spoke to me about it never being too late to transform your life, to change, to embrace something new, to live.

I also love that it has some vital things to say about faith: that it’s human to doubt sometimes, that faith – whatever your faith, even if it’s in the magical world of a book, can hold you up and suppport you. And that love is always, always, worth it.

“How about Narnia? Ever ben there?”

C S Lewis, known as Jack, grew up in Ireland fascinated by Irish and Norse mythology. He wrote over 30 books which have been translated into more than 30 languages. “The Chronicles of Narnia” have been the most popular, selling millions of copies worldwide.

He also wrote extensively on Christianity, having converted as an adult following extensive discussions with friends including J. R. R. Tolkein, whose close friendship would inspire both writers: Jack in faith, Tolkein to finish writing Lord of the Rings due to Jack’s eagrness to read it.

All the facts in this play are true. Jack and Warnie shared their house and were the closest of friends as well as brothers, Jack did nickname the Oxford History of English Literature “oh hell”, Joy Davidman was an inspiration and – well, watch the play and find out!”

Media & Reviews

Review #1:
Publication: NODA
Publication Data: 04 10 2023
Reviewer: Kay Rowan
Text Header: Shadowlands
Text: Content

Shadowlands – is a play by William Nicholson adapted from his 1985 television film of the same name. The play is about the relationship betweenOxford don and author C.S.Lewisand the American writerJoy Gresham. The story follows Lewis as he meets an American fan, Joy, whom he befriends and eventually marries. The story also focuses on his relationship with his brother, Warren Lewis and deals with his personal struggle: Lewis preaches that one should endure suffering with patience, but finds that the simple answers he had preached no longer apply when Joy becomes afflicted with cancer and eventually dies.

The staging was very impressive with superb use of projection to create the scene changes. The opening of the Narnia style door audibly impressed the audience. The very simple arrangement of flats was suitably enhanced by the cast wheeling on furniture as required. Done with such panache it was obviously very well-rehearsed.

The director, Susanne Crosby, is to be heartily congratulated upon her painstaking efforts to fully embrace the authenticity of the episodes of the production. Her attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the play.

The cast were word perfect with no hint of hesitation.

Particularly commendable was the portrayal of C.S. Lewis by Bob Ryder – he maintained the character and tone throughout the play and most precisely during the long soliloquies. Not only did he maintain the vocal tone but his mannerisms were spot on. Bob was ably supported by Mike Wells, as Warren Lewis the brother who shared “Jack’s” house, in a suitably effective and understated way.

Lewis’s academic colleagues had individually crafted personalities which they each maintained throughout and created such a comfortable group of academic gentlemen that the audience were thoroughly drawn in. It is never easy to portray a young teenager however Zac Emerson impressively immersed himself in the role of Douglas, the son of Joy Gresham.

Lauren Brakes very ably undertook her many roles in a smooth and calm manner.

The role of the American author, Joy Gresham, was portrayed by Nicola Russell whose poise and delivery made a direct contrast to that of the character of C.S. Lewis. She developed confidence during the play and was able to make the final scenes very authentic.

The most impressive aspect of this production was the evidence that the cast had become a real ‘team’ and supported each other both physically and emotionally during what is a very difficult theme.

The interplay of Christian values of faith and doubt are sorely tried during the protracted death of a loved one enacted during this play. The theme was very well handled and certainly the audience were very convinced of the feelings displayed on stage.

Sincere congratulations to all involved in this thought-provoking performance.

03336 663 366

Shadowlands

Shadowlands

Barn Theatre Southwick Street Southwick BN42 4TE