Hugh Bonneville to star in 'Shadowlands' in the West End

Based on the romantic relationship between The Chronicles of Narnia author C.S. Lewis and American poet Joy Davidman, Shadowlands is an uplifting and powerful journey of life and love.

Summary

• BAFTA-nominated actor Hugh Bonneville will return to the West End
• He is best known for starring in Paddington and Downton Abbey
• Shadowlands follows the relationship between author C.S. Lewis and poet Joy Davidman

Downton Abbey, Notting Hill, and Paddington actor Hugh Bonneville will return to the West End in William Nicholson’s play Shadowlands. Performances begin at the Aldwych Theatre on 5 February 2026, running through 9 May.

Based on the romantic relationship between The Chronicles of Narnia author C.S. Lewis and American poet Joy Davidman, Shadowlands is an uplifting and powerful journey of life and love.

The play opens in the West End following a run at Chichester Festival Theatre (in which Bonneville previously starred) in 2019. Rachel Kavanaugh directs.

Bonneville said: "Under Rachel Kavanaugh’s direction, I am thrilled to be revisiting William Nicholson’s beautiful play about love and loss as we bring the show to London audiences at The Aldwych. This theatre holds a special place in my heart as it’s where I saw my first Shakespeare, Peter Brook’s legendary RSC production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 1970.”

Further casting is still to be confirmed.

Check back for Shadowlands tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Bonneville in Shadowlands. (Photo by Manuel Harlan)