James Macdonald studied at Oxford University and the École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris. From 1992 to 2006 he was Associate and Deputy Director of the Royal Court Theatre, where he directed the premieres of Sarah Kane’s Blasted and 4.48 Psychosis. James is Caryl Churchill’s director of choice and directed the adaptation of A Number for BBC and HBO Films.

James recently directed Lucas Hnath’s A Doll's House Part 2 at the Donmar Warehouse. His current production, a sci-fi version of The Cherry Orchard, by Vinay Patel, plays at The Yard Theatre until 22 October, before transferring to HOME in Manchester from 2 to 19 November.