Michael Longhurst announces final season at Donmar Warehouse
Michael Longhurst has announced his final season at Donmar Warehouse
The line-up, centring on community and change, includes a new British play, the UK premiere of an American piece, and a refreshed version of a 20th-century European classic.
The season launches with the world premiere of Lucy Kirkwood’s The Human Body (16 February – 13 April 2024). Longhurst, in collaboration with Ann Yee, will co-direct this final production, which sees the return of Keeley Hawes and Jack Davenport to the stage. The pair previously worked together on the critically lauded Next to Normal.
Benedict Andrews makes his Donmar debut with The Cherry Orchard by Chekhov (26 April – 22 June 2024), featuring a stellar cast including Nina Hoss and Adeel Akhtar. The season concludes with Eboni Booth’s Primary Trust (28 June – 24 August 2024), directed by Matthew Xia.
This season also marks the West End transfer of Next to Normal (18 June – 21 September 2024), directed by Longhurst, to Wyndham’s Theatre, following its previous sell-out run.
Throughout his tenure, Longhurst has been a champion for new writing and diverse talent. He has notably staged UK premieres of The Band’s Visit and Next to Normal, and won an Olivier Award for his production of Constellations. His directorial efforts have included significant projects like the 2020 sound installation Blindness, which played a pivotal role in reopening venues post-pandemic.
Michael Longhurst said: “It has been an unalloyed privilege to helm the Donmar Warehouse for the last five years. There is nowhere more special to me than its auditorium, the moment before the house opens. It vibrates with possibility, awaiting a fresh wall of eyes and hearts to embrace it. A tiny breath of quiet on what has been an exhilarating journey through a tumultuous time for our industry.
“As I share this final new season, which echoes with revolution, celebrates change and the power of community – and which draws together an incredible collection of international artists and stories – I want to say thank you to all the audiences, staff and artists who have shared this journey with me and animated our space. I truly hope you enjoy the shows.”
For more information and tickets, visit donmarwarehouse.com
