The College was thrilled to have a visit from alumni Hugh Bonneville (m. 1982) during his recent visit to Cambridge to participate in the Cambridge Literary Festival.

Hugh is a multi-award-winning actor who has performed widely across theatre, film and television. After reading Theology at Corpus, Hugh attended the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, and he began his theatrical career at the National Theatre in 1987.

Playing Under the Piano, published by Little, Brown in October 2022, is Hugh’s first book, reflecting on three decades of trying not to bump into the furniture.

Alumna Marie-Ange Camara (m. 2021), herself a performer describes Hugh's visit:

"It was a real delight to welcome Hugh Bonneville back to Corpus Christi on Saturday. Hugh is not only an experienced actor, but he is also a very kind and generous gentleman who deeply cares about the next generation of actors and actresses and his College. 

He attended an informal Q&A with undergraduate students and theatre lovers from various colleges, who naturally had many questions for him about his career and the current acting industry. I was personally very inspired by Hugh whom I had the pleasure to interview during the Q&A at the McCrum Theatre. His sense of humour and natural ability to tell stories made this event enjoyable for all generations of Corpus members who I’m sure were very happy to be part of the audience."

In his conversation with Marie-Ange, Hugh discussed his memories of Corpus and his subsequent career and read from his new book. The McCrum was full to capacity with alumni, students and fellows, with the opportunity to ask questions in a warm and informal environment.