Hugh Bonneville will play author CS Lewis in a stage production of Shadowlands, due to open in London in February.

The story follows Lewis (author of The Chronicles of Narnia), whose orderly academic life as an Oxford Don is upended by the arrival of the spirited American poet, Joy Davidman.

The production will have a limited engagement at London’s Aldwych Theatre from Tuesday 5th February to Saturday 9th May 2026.

Speaking about the announcement, 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.”