Donny's Brain

Details

Donny wakes in hospital, unable to recall the car accident, confused because the love of his life, Emma, isn’t at his bedside… and unable to recognise the strange woman in the room who can’t stop weeping. In Rona Munro’s funny and poignant love story, Donny might get a second chance to follow his heart – if only his head will let him.

Rona Munro, the multi-award winning Scots playwright, makes a much-anticipated return to Hampstead Theatre following the premieres of Snake (1999) and The Maiden Stone (1995). Rona’s previous theatre credits include the award winning plays Iron (Traverse Theatre/Royal Court) and Bold Girls (7:48 Theatre Co/Hampstead Theatre), as well as Little Eagles (RSC/Hampstead Theatre) and The Indian Boy (RSC). Her television, radio and film successes include Ken Loach’s film Ladybird Ladybird, BAFTA nominated Bumping the Odds for BBC and Dr Who.

Anna Ledwich, recipient of the Gate Theatre/Headlong New Directions Award in 2010 for her acclaimed adaptation of Lulu, was most recently Artistic Director of Theatre on The Fly at Chichester Festival Theatre. Previous credits include the hugely successful Remembered Hills, A Christmas Carol (both CFT),The Caucasian Chalk Circle (Royal and Derngate/Northampton University), and Lovely and Misfit (Trafalgar Studios).

Running time: Approximately 90 minutes with no interval

Twitter & Facebook reviews of Donny’s Brain

‘Donny’s Brain another @Hamps_Theatre hit! Laughed a lot, but was also very moving. Really great writing and good performances, too.’

‘Donny’s Brain at @Hamps_Theatre is beautifully crafted, acted and directed. A smart, insightful play with real heart by Rona Munro.’

‘Absolutely loved #DonnysBrain – another superb, thought-provoking @Hamps_theatre downstairs production’

‘Really enjoyed Donny’s Brain at @Hamps_Theatre tonight. Warm, witty and very well written. Definitely recommended.’

‘We went to see Donny’s Brain last night and loved it. Humorous, compelling and intimate. We were completely drawn in to the story. And Emily was fabulous’

‘Brilliant show, saw it on Saturday – funny, poignant and fascinating! You’ll be talking about it for ages afterwards!’

‘Absolutely loved #DonnysBrain! Was really funny, and the acting was brilliant! #getwellsoonDonny’

‘#DonnysBrain a must see… #Inspiring 5*’

‘It was Excellent! I loved the simplicity of the set and the way the scene faded into another. Acting was superb!’

‘I really enjoyed it – brilliantly acted. I must admit it is the smallest theatre I’ve ever been in, what an intimate setting!’

‘Donny’s Brain at the Hampstead Theatre is a refreshing new piece of writing. Heavy subject balanced well with comedic moments. Worth a look!’

‘Saw a fantastic play tonight at the Hampstead Theatre called Donnys Brain it was utterly amazing’

‘If you fancy a thought provoking play, that will move you to tears and is bloody funny too, go watch #DonnysBrain at Hampstead Downstairs’

‘Really would recommend Donny’s Brain at Hampstead Theatre. Really really good and quite emotionally sticking!! Go go see it’

‘Thought Donny’s Brain was great. Darkly funny. Compelling staging. Just congratulated the cast. Thank you all.’

‘It WAS amazing. We were completely engrossed. The Hampstead Downstairs has been putting on some great plays. Loving it. Keep ‘em coming please!’

News & Blogs

A cup of tea with... Donny's Brain actor Ryan Early

Donny's Brain: What the audience thinks

A cup of tea with... Donny's Brain actor Skye Lourie

Interview: Anna Ledwich

A cup of tea with... Donny's Brain actor Emily Joyce

Donny's Brain: Production Photos

Donny's Brain: An Onstage Version of The Vow?

Donny's Brain: In Rehearsals

Interview: Rona Munro talks about returning to Hampstead with Donny's Brain

Donny's Brain: Full Casting Confirmed

Hampstead Downstairs Autumn Season announced