Written by Lindsey Ferrentino
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...
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).
Reviews and accolades
Two time 2025 Oliver Award Nominee:
Best New Play, Best Actor (Adrien Brody)
‘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