Shadowlands with Hugh Bonneville to run in the West End

Shadowlands will return to the West End next year.

Penned by  William Nicholson adapted from his 1985 television film of the same name, it follows the relationship between Oxford don and author C S Lewis, who penned the Narnia series, and the American writer Joy Gresham.

Set to star will be Hugh Bonneville, who originally appeared in the Chichester Festival Theatre revival in 2019, directed by Rachel Kavanaugh. It is that version that will now head to London’s Aldwych Theatre from Tuesday 5 February 2026 to Saturday 9 May 2026. Further casting (by Annelie Powell) and creative team for the West End production is still to be confirmed.

Bonneville said today: “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.”

Tickets are on sale in a pre-sale now