Overview

'And now, even the truth sounds like a lie.' 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 twenty-two years on Death Row. About how he finally petitioned the court, asking not for an appeal – but for his execution date. And about what happened next… Based on the extraordinary true story of Nick Yarris – and on David Sington's documentary film about him – The Fear of 13 is a gripping exploration of truth and justice, and the chasm between them. Lindsey Ferrentino's play premiered to critical acclaim at the Donmar Warehouse, London, in 2024, and was nominated for several Olivier Awards including Best New Play. This edition, featuring an exclusive afterword by Nick Yarris, was published alongside the play's Broadway premiere in 2026, directed by David Cromer and starring Adrien Brody. 'Devastating... a wrenching portrait of death row injustice... shards of jagged humour mingle with moments of farce but also exquisite intimacy... unmissable' — Telegraph 'Belongs in a league of its own... Ferrentino has turned a solo narrative into a richer ensemble piece... contains a hint of the miraculous' — The Times 'Incredibly powerful scenes' — Guardian 'Astounding... prises apart the justice system through the shocking reality of a haunting lived experience... Ferrentino's script gallops with innovative charm... one of the best new plays of the year... a thrilling premiere' — WhatsOnStage 'A cracking piece of storytelling... eschews one-man-play cliches... beautifully theatrical' — Time Out 'Something special... a memorable evening of theatre.' — Theatre Weekly 'Stunning... Lindsey Ferrentino's breathtaking writing elevates an incredible true story to a powerful new level... a remarkable show, one of the best I have ever seen' — All That Dazzles

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Reviews

'Devastating... a wrenching portrait of death row injustice... shards of jagged humour mingle with moments of farce but also exquisite intimacy... unmissable' * Telegraph * 'Belongs in a league of its own... Ferrentino has turned a solo narrative into a richer ensemble piece... contains a hint of the miraculous' * The Times * 'Incredibly powerful scenes' * Guardian * 'Astounding... prises apart the justice system through the shocking reality of a haunting lived experience... Ferrentino's script gallops with innovative charm... one of the best new plays of the year... a thrilling premiere' * WhatsOnStage * 'A cracking piece of storytelling... eschews one-man-play cliches... beautifully theatrical' * Time Out * 'Something special... a memorable evening of theatre.' * Theatre Weekly * 'Stunning... Lindsey Ferrentino's breathtaking writing elevates an incredible true story to a powerful new level... a remarkable show, one of the best I have ever seen' * All That Dazzles * 'A story told in captivating sequences with heart-breaking simplicity... surprisingly funny... profoundly moving' * Reviews Hub * 'Utterly captivating... a gut-wrenching testament to the failure of judicial systems... a devastating picture of human resilience and our capacity for hope... masterful storytelling' * West End Best Friend * 'A brilliant piece of writing... darkly funny, tense, sympathetic and understated... keeps us captive and captivated for nigh on two hours without an interval' * British Theatre Guide *

Author Information

Lindsey Ferrentino is an American playwright whose plays have been produced internationally. They include The Fear of 13 (Donmar Warehouse, London, 2024), Ugly Lies the Bone (Off-Broadway, 2015; National Theatre, London, 2017) and Amy and the Orphans (Off-Broadway, 2018). Other plays include: Kokomo, This Flat Earth, Magic Man, ​Moonlight on the Bayou and Paradise Bar and Grill. Her adaptation of Michel Hazanavicius' feature film The Artist (with Drew McOnie) was premiered at Theatre Royal Plymouth in 2024.

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