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  • Venue Donmar Warehouse, London
  • Performance dates Booking to 30 November 2024
  • Running time 1 hour 45 minutes (no interval)

See the world premiere of The Fear of 13 at the Donmar Warehouse in London.

Based on the extraordinary true story of Nick Yarris, Academy Award winner Adrien Brody (The Pianist, Peaky Blinders) makes his London theatre debut in the The Fear of 13; a new play by Lindsey Ferrentino (Ugly Lies the Bone) directed by Justin Martin (Prima Facie).

Also starring Nana Mensah (Presumed Innocent, 13 Reasons Why, Queen of Glory) as Jackie Schaffer, plus Michael Fox (Downton Abbey), Aidan Kelly (Killing Eve), Posi Morakinyo (Ain’t Too Proud,), Cyril Nri (Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story), Ferdy Roberts (Macbeth) and Tommy Sim’aan (A View from the Bridge).

From a routine traffic stop to a wrongful conviction for murder, Yarris’s story unfolds over 22 years on Death Row, climaxing in his unprecedented request — not for an appeal, but for an execution date. Don’t miss the world premiere of this gripping new drama.

The Fear of 13 runs from 4 October to 30 November 2024 at Donmar Warehouse in London.

“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…

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Photos

Stars and Creatives

Nana Mensah
Nana Mensah
Adrien Brody
Adrien Brody

Who is in the cast of The Fear of 13?

Starring Adrien Brody, Nana Mensah as Jackie Schaffer, Michael Fox, Aidan Kelly, Posi Morakinyo, Cyril Nri, Ferdy Roberts, Tommy Sim’aan

Who are the creative team of The Fear of 13?

Written by Lindsey Ferrentino, based on the documentary film by David Sington

Directed by Justin Martin, with Set design by Miriam Buether, Costume design by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, Lighting design by Jon Clark, Sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph, Video design by Ash J Woodward, Composer and Music Director DJ Walde, Hair, Wigs and Makeup design by Campbell Young Associates, Associate Director Ed Burnside, Voice Coach Barbara Houseman, Dialect Coach Aundrea Fudge and Casting Director Anna Cooper CDG.

Important Notes

Content advice: This show contains scenes that some people may find difficult to watch. This production contains the smoking of herbal cigarettes, haze, flashing lights, a total blackout and gunshots. 

Access performances: Captioned performance Monday 18 November 7.30pm; Audio described performance Saturday 16 November 2.30pm

Venue Information

Donmar Warehouse , 41 Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9LX

Nearest Tube or Train: Leicester Square, Covent Garden

Nearest Buses: 14, 19, 24, 29, 38, 176, N5, N19, N20, N29, N38, N41, N279

Directions

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Critics' reviews of The Fear of 13

★★★★★ "Adrien Brody’s wrenching portrait of death row injustice is unmissable"- The Telegraph

★★★★★ "Brody delivers an intense, soul-baring performance in his London stage debut" - The Times

★★★★★ "Adrien Brody is sensational" - What's On Stage

★★★★★ "Adrien Brody is mesmerically good – it’s a privilege to watch him" - i News

★★★★ "A beautifully theatrical production and a good, charismatic turn from Brody" - TimeOut

★★★★ "Adrien Brody is spellbinding" - The Financial Times

Also see: The Fear of 13 Reviews Round-up

Frequently Asked Questions

The Fear of 13 is playing at the Donmar Warehouse in London
The running time of The Fear of 13 is 1 hour 45 minutes (no interval)
Yes, The Fear of 13 has matinee performances on the following days:
No, sorry, The Fear of 13 has now completed its run and is no longer on sale.

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