Hugh Bonneville Leads Shadowlands Revival

Hugh Bonneville is set to return to the West End in early 2026 in a revival of Shadowlands, playing at the Aldwych Theatre from 5 February through 9 May. He will reprise his role as C. S. Lewis in this stage version of William Nicholson’s beloved play, which originally appeared in Chichester Festival Theatre in 2019 under the direction of Rachel Kavanaugh.

The story follows author C. S. Lewis, famous for The Chronicles of Narnia, whose structured academic life is disrupted by his relationship with American poet Joy Davidman. What begins with intellectual camaraderie evolves into a profound journey of love, grief, and faith. The narrative explores how Lewis grapples with loss and transforms through unexpected emotional depths.

Bonneville said he is thrilled to revisit this story under Rachel Kavanaugh’s direction, calling it a “beautiful play about love and loss.” He noted the special significance of the venue: the Aldwych Theatre was where he saw his first Shakespeare as a child, making this return particularly meaningful.

The revival aims to retain the warmth, humour, and emotional resonance that made the 2019 production a critical and audience success. The creative team behind the show will be led by Rachel Kavanaugh as director, with Annelie Powell handling casting. Other cast members have not yet been announced, but anticipation is growing.

For audiences who love deeply human theatre, Shadowlands promises a moving experience that combines tender moments with existential reflection. It is anticipated to be among the most powerful dramatic works onstage in London in 2026. This run gives theatre lovers a chance to encounter a story about memory, love, and the courage to face life’s hardest truths.