Tim Sheader, the new artistic director of London’s Donmar Warehouse, has announced his inaugural season, featuring two world premieres, a U.K. premiere and a revival.
The season opens with “The Fear of 13,” a world premiere by Lindsey Ferrentino, based on the documentary film by David Sington that tells the true story of Nick Yarris, who spent 22 years on Death Row. Academy Award winner Adrien Brody will make his London stage debut in the production, directed by Justin Martin, which runs Oct. 4 – Nov. 30.
Next up is the U.K. premiere of Dave Malloy’s “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” directed by Sheader himself. The musical, inspired by Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” received 12 Tony nominations during its Broadway run. It plays Dec. 7 – Feb. 8, 2025.
Anna Mackmin returns to the Donmar to write and direct the world premiere of “Backstroke,” a new play examining mother-daughter relationships. The cast includes Celia Imrie and Tamsin Greig. It plays Feb. 14 – April 12, 2025.
The season concludes with a revival of Lynn Nottage’s “Intimate Apparel,” starring Emmy Award winner Samira Wiley and directed by Lynette Linton. Wiley stars as Esther, a talented lingerie seamstress in 1905 New York, balancing career ambitions with romantic aspirations. It plays June 20 – Aug. 9, 2025.
In addition to the mainstage productions, the Donmar is touring “Macbeth: Something Wicked,” an adaptation for secondary school students, to 17 state schools in Camden and Westminster from June 20 through July 12 this year.
Sheader has also unveiled a commitment to younger audiences, with over 8,000 tickets priced at £20 ($25.40) for those aged 35 and under. The theater has appointed Titas Halder as associate artistic director and Lotte Hines as casting director.
The Donmar’s West End transfers of the Pultizer Prize-winning “Next to Normal” and “Macbeth,” starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo, will continue to run alongside the new season.
Public booking for the season opens on July 3.
Source Agencies
