BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor Hugh Bonneville will return to the West End in 2026 to star in William Nicholson’s acclaimed play Shadowlands. The heartfelt drama, based on the life of The Chronicles of Narnia author C.S. Lewis, tells a deeply human story of love and grief when the Oxford scholar meets spirited American poet Joy Davidman.
Originally staged at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2019 and directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, the play will now take up residence at London’s Aldwych Theatre from 5 February to 9 May 2026.
Bonneville shared:
“I’m thrilled to revisit this beautiful play about love and loss and bring it to London audiences at The Aldwych where my own love of theatre began.”
Known worldwide for Downton Abbey and Paddington, Bonneville’s stage career spans the Royal Shakespeare Company, Donmar Warehouse, and Old Vic. Shadowlands, adapted from Nicholson’s BAFTA-winning TV movie, went on to win the Evening Standard Award for Best Play and later inspired the 1993 film starring Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger.
Tickets go on sale 15 October 2025 at 10am via shadowlandsplay.com
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan / ArenaPAL
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