Tim Sheader announces inaugural season as Artistic Director of Donmar Warehouse

Tim Sheader’s first season as Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse has been announced today, including two world premieres plays, the UK premiere of an award-winning musical and a major revival.

The season launches with the world premiere of The Fear of 13 by Lindsey Ferrentino, based on the true story of Nick Yarris who spent 22 years on Death Row, which runs from 4 October-30 November. The play is directed by Justin Martin, and stars Academy Award winner Adrien Brody (The Pianist), who both make their Donmar Warehouse debuts.

Sheader then directs the UK premiere of Dave Malloy’s Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, the multi-award-winning musical is inspired by a scandalous slice of Tolstoy’s seminal work War and Peace, playing from 7 December 2024 - 8 February 2025.

Anna Mackmin returns to the Donmar to direct the world premiere of her new play Backstroke – a tender new work that examines the mother/daughter relationship, and the impact when the roles are reversed. Running from 14 February - 12 April 2025, the cast is led by Celia Imrie (Noises Off, Old Vic) who returns to the Donmar, and Tamsin Greig (The Deep Blue Sea, Theatre Royal Bath) making her Donmar debut.

Completing the season from 20 June - 9 August 2025 is a major revival of Intimate Apparel, starring Emmy Award winner Samira Wiley (The Handmaid’s Tale, Hulu) , which reunites playwright Lynn Nottage and director Lynette Linton on the Donmar stage, following their collaborations on Sweat and Clyde’s.

Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse Tim Sheader said: “I am hugely honoured to be leading this very special theatre into a new era, building on the legacy of my predecessors. With all these new projects, I look forward to welcoming both loyal and new audiences to gather together in our beautiful three-sided auditorium, where connecting with artists and each other is central to every performance.

“It is an immense privilege to be announcing today our first four productions kicking off with a world premiere based on an extraordinary true story, starring Adrien Brody in his London stage debut. I'm looking forward to directing a party-fuelled Broadway musical that has never been seen this side of the pond, and then we have a beautiful new play that touches the lives of so many of us led by the brilliant Tamsin Greig and Celia Imrie. And finally announced today, another opportunity to experience the stellar combination of Lynette Linton and Lynn Nottage's writing, this time welcoming the amazing Samira Wiley to the Donmar stage for the first time. Throughout all these shows you'll find the Donmar's DNA – excellent productions, starring outstanding actors, all experienced up close in our intimate theatre.

“The Donmar remains destination theatre, please do join us for a night out to remember.”

Priority booking for Donmar supporters opens today (25 June), with public booking opening on 3 July at 9am here.