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Gwyneth Paltrow Considers Proof Lead at Donmar

Hollywood film star Gwyneth Paltrow (pictured) is in advanced discussions to make her London stage debut in the UK premiere of David Auburn's Proof, which will run at the Donmar Warehouse from 9 May to 15 June 2002.

Proof is directed by film director John Madden who worked with Paltrow on the 1998 blockbuster Shakespeare in Love, for which Paltrow won an Oscar for her performance as young Shakespeare's fictional romantic interest Viola.

The plot of Proof revolves around Catherine, who has sacrificed her youth and education to care for her father, a mathematical genius, during the worst of his mental degeneration. His legacy is a series of inspiration formulae that can only be unlocked by a mind as brilliant as his. The play maps Catherine's struggle to determine how much of her father's genius or madness she will inherit and whom, if anyone, she can trust with the answer.

On Broadway, where Proof opened in October 2000 to rave reviews, the part of Catherine has been played by fellow US film stars Mary Louise Parker and Jennifer Jason Leigh. A number of famous names have been linked with the part for this UK premiere, including Rachel Weisz, Helena Bonham-Carter and Kate Winslet, who is currently dating outgoing Donmar artistic director Sam Mendes.

It was thought that an all-British cast would be recruited for the Donmar season. Although Paltrow is American, she has lived in the UK and has been praised for her portrayal of English characters in films such as Emma, Sliding Doors and Shakespeare in Love. The actress' other screen credits include The Talented Mr Ripley, The Royal Tenenbaums, A Perfect Murder, Great Expectations, Bounce, Duets and, just released in the UK, Shallow Hal.

A spokesperson for the Donmar said that discussions with Paltrow about Proof casting were advanced. Confirmation is expected in the next few days.

Proof will run at the Donmar as part of the theatre’s annual American Imports season. The five-month schedule, which kicks off in March, also includes premieres of Stephen Adly Guiguis' Jesus Hopped the A Train, Kenneth Lonergan's Lobby Hero, Keith Reddin's Frame 312 and Richard Greenberg's Take Me Out and Amongst Proof's many accolades are the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and three Tonys, including Best Play.

- by Terri Paddock

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