the fear of 13
Written by Lindsey Ferrentino
Directed by Justin Martin
Starring Adrien Brody
Based on the documentary film by David Sington
World Premiere
Donmar Warehouse, London – October 4th, 2024
Directed by Justin Martin
Starring Adrien Brody
Based on the documentary film by David Sington
World Premiere
Donmar Warehouse, London – October 4th, 2024
“The first thing you should know is that this is true. It’s what actually happened. I know it seems like it’s a story – inside of a story – inside of a story.
–but that’s how it is for most people. At least the ones in here.”
Nick’s got a story to tell you. About how a routine traffic stop turned into a conviction for murder. About how he spent the next 22 years on Death Row. About how he finally petitioned the court to ask not for an appeal, but for his execution date. And about what happened next...
–but that’s how it is for most people. At least the ones in here.”
Nick’s got a story to tell you. About how a routine traffic stop turned into a conviction for murder. About how he spent the next 22 years on Death Row. About how he finally petitioned the court to ask not for an appeal, but for his execution date. And about what happened next...
Based on the extraordinary true story of Nick Yarris, Academy Award winner Adrien Brody makes his London theatre debut in the world premiere of The Fear of 13; a new play by Lindsey Ferrentino (Ugly Lies the Bone) directed by Justin Martin (Prima Facie).
News and Reviews
‘Ferrentino’s script gallops with innovative charm where it could, quite easily, have trotted along with pedestrian paint-by-numbers storytelling. The result is a harder road to travel but one that reaps much greater rewards.’ – Alex Wood, What’s On Stage
'Can the play improve on a compelling film? Yes, indeed. The American playwright Lindsey Ferrentino — who landed a stage hit earlier this year with the book for the musical adaptation of that quirky French film The Artist — has turned a solo narrative into a richer ensemble piece.' - Clive Davis, The Times ‘It can be an immensely difficult task to take a true life story and bring it to the stage in a way that will engage the audience’s attention and leave them wanting to do their own research on the circumstances to deepen their understanding. Lindsey Ferrentino’s The Fear of 13 is a brilliant example of how it can work astoundingly well.’ – Emma Clarendon, Love London Love Culture ‘Lindsey Ferrentino’s text adds punches of humour to Yarris’ pacey first-person account. Balanced with the despair of the story, the result is profoundly moving, and Brody carries it off without a hitch.' – Dulcie Godfrey, The Reviews Hub “Though initially witty and tongue-in-cheek, Lindsey Ferrentino’s dialogue succeeds in creating an open, honest conversation between Yarris and the audience by the end of the play. The gradual shift from surface-level humour to full vulnerability in the latter half organically recreates the getting-to-know-you stage of any relationship, connecting every viewer to Yarris on a deeply personal level.” – Ashley New, Strand Magazine |
Strand Magazine – October 15th, 2024 – ‘Many Worlds Apart, Two People, One Singular Hope: 'The Fear of 13' at the Donmar Review’ by Ashley New
The Upcoming – October 24th, 2024 – ‘The Fear of 13 at Donmar Warehouse’ by Selina Sondermann
There Ought To Be Clowns – October 22nd, 2024 – ‘Review: The Fear of 13, Donmar Warehouse: Adrien Brody makes a powerful theatrical debut’
The Arts Desk – October 18th, 2024 – ‘The Fear of 13, Donmar Warehouse review – powerful analysis of a gross injustice’ by Helen Hawkins
The Guardian - Adrien Brody to make London stage debut as man who spent 22 years on death row
“This is a story steeped in truth, that exposes systematic injustice and apathy through hope and humanity,” said Brody. “Lindsey Ferrentino’s writing is just so rich and lovely. It feels equally artistic and socially relevant. It’s a remarkable thing for one who has experienced such tragic loss [as Yarris] to have the eloquence and openness to share their life experiences in a way that is not only profoundly moving but also awakens you to the cruel circumstances many face while at the mercy of the judicial and penal systems.”
“Justin is a director with sensitivity and vision so the chance to collaborate with him and Lindsey has drawn me back to the stage,” said Brody.
The Hollywood Reporter - Adrien Brody’s London Theater Debut Will Be True Story of Wrongly Convicted Death Row Prisoner
Variety - Adrien Brody to Make London Stage Debut in ‘The Fear of 13’ at Donmar Warehouse
Deadline - Adrien Brody To Make London Stage Debut With ‘The Fear Of 13’
Time Out - Adrien Brody’s UK stage debut and cult musical ‘Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812’ feature in the Donmar’s new season
Broadway World - GREAT COMET and More Set For Upcoming Season at the Donmar Warehouse
The Stage - Adrien Brody, Celia Imrie and Tamsin Greig star in Tim Sheader's first Donmar season
Whats On Stage - Donmar Warehouse unveils new season with Adrien Brody, Samira Wiley, Great Comet and more
West End Theatre - Adrien Brody to star in The Fear of 13 at the Donmar Warehouse, plus Tamsin Grieg, Celia Imrie, Samira Wiley to star in the new season
London Theatre - Adrien Brody, Celia Imrie, Samira Wiley, and Tamsin Greig to star in new Donmar Warehouse season
West End Best Friend - Tim Sheader announces inaugural season as Artistic Director of Donmar Warehouse
The Upcoming – October 24th, 2024 – ‘The Fear of 13 at Donmar Warehouse’ by Selina Sondermann
There Ought To Be Clowns – October 22nd, 2024 – ‘Review: The Fear of 13, Donmar Warehouse: Adrien Brody makes a powerful theatrical debut’
The Arts Desk – October 18th, 2024 – ‘The Fear of 13, Donmar Warehouse review – powerful analysis of a gross injustice’ by Helen Hawkins
The Guardian - Adrien Brody to make London stage debut as man who spent 22 years on death row
“This is a story steeped in truth, that exposes systematic injustice and apathy through hope and humanity,” said Brody. “Lindsey Ferrentino’s writing is just so rich and lovely. It feels equally artistic and socially relevant. It’s a remarkable thing for one who has experienced such tragic loss [as Yarris] to have the eloquence and openness to share their life experiences in a way that is not only profoundly moving but also awakens you to the cruel circumstances many face while at the mercy of the judicial and penal systems.”
“Justin is a director with sensitivity and vision so the chance to collaborate with him and Lindsey has drawn me back to the stage,” said Brody.
The Hollywood Reporter - Adrien Brody’s London Theater Debut Will Be True Story of Wrongly Convicted Death Row Prisoner
Variety - Adrien Brody to Make London Stage Debut in ‘The Fear of 13’ at Donmar Warehouse
Deadline - Adrien Brody To Make London Stage Debut With ‘The Fear Of 13’
Time Out - Adrien Brody’s UK stage debut and cult musical ‘Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812’ feature in the Donmar’s new season
Broadway World - GREAT COMET and More Set For Upcoming Season at the Donmar Warehouse
The Stage - Adrien Brody, Celia Imrie and Tamsin Greig star in Tim Sheader's first Donmar season
Whats On Stage - Donmar Warehouse unveils new season with Adrien Brody, Samira Wiley, Great Comet and more
West End Theatre - Adrien Brody to star in The Fear of 13 at the Donmar Warehouse, plus Tamsin Grieg, Celia Imrie, Samira Wiley to star in the new season
London Theatre - Adrien Brody, Celia Imrie, Samira Wiley, and Tamsin Greig to star in new Donmar Warehouse season
West End Best Friend - Tim Sheader announces inaugural season as Artistic Director of Donmar Warehouse