The Stage

Donmar to stage novelist Haddon’s debut play next spring

Published Friday 30 October 2009 at 12:07 by Lalayn Baluch

Author Mark Haddon’s debut play Polar Bears is to receive its world premiere as part of the Donmar Warehouse’s spring season.

Haddon is best known for penning multi award-winning book The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night. His television work includes Coming Down the Mountain, Fungus and the Bogeyman and 1000 Ships.

Polar Bears will be directed by Donmar Assosicate director Jamie Lloyd, and will run from April 1-May 22.

Following the Donmar’s production of Red by John Logan, which will close on February 6, the spring season will feature Serenading Louie by US playwright Lanford Wilson. The play, which follows the story of two suburban couples, will be directed by Simon Curtis and run from February 11.

To mark the 80th birthday of Stephen Sondheim, the Donmar will stage a revival of 1994 musical Passion. Dates are yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, the company will continue its international work next year. Alan Rickman’s production of Creditors will open at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and Four Quartets will play at the Baryshnikov Arts Centre in New York.

Donmar artistic director Michael Grandage said: “As part of our new spring season, the Donmar will present two world premieres and rare revival as well as taking our work out on a tour of the UK, and presenting productions in New York, LA and Argentina. There will be seven Donmar productions playing at home and around the world in the coming months.

“Following our year-long residency at Wyndham’s Theatre, we are keen to continue to develop our audiences and I feel confident that the work we are announcing today offers something for everyone.”