Casting has been announced for the UK premiere of Donald, a new play by Stefano Massini, which will run at the Theatre Royal Bath this autumn. The production explores Donald Trump’s rise in business before his presidency, with Elliot Cowan in the lead role.

The play Donald, written by Stefano Massini, best known for The Lehman Trilogy, will have its UK premiere in the Ustinov Studio at Theatre Royal Bath. Previews begin on 6 November, with an official opening night scheduled for 17 November and the run extending until 5 December.

Focusing on Donald John Trump’s career in property development, golf, hotels, media, and reality television, the play traces the years leading to his entry into politics. It seeks to portray the business and personal worlds that shaped Trump prior to his presidency.

Elliot Cowan has been cast as the titular Donald Trump, supported by Oscar Batterham and Jo Herbert who will play various characters surrounding the president’s life. This ensemble approach aims to depict a range of figures around Trump during this formative period.

The production is adapted and directed by Sean Foley, a double Olivier Award winner, whose involvement indicates a carefully crafted staging. Foley’s adaptation brings Massini’s narrative to the British stage for the first time.

Massini’s prior work The Lehman Trilogy has been internationally acclaimed, translated into multiple languages and staged worldwide, lending weight to expectations for Donald’s British debut.

Donald’s arrival at Theatre Royal Bath contributes to ongoing interest in theatrical examinations of recent political figures and their backstories. The production’s timing in November aligns with the autumn theatre season, adding a contemporary subject to the repertoire.

Full details on ticket availability and further creative team members have yet to be confirmed. The play offers a timely insight into a contentious political figure before he assumed national office.