Press reports are suggesting that Gwyneth Paltrow is to appear at the Donmar later this year in David Auburn's play Proof. She would play the lead role of Catherine.

In the absence of Nicole Kidman - who was widely expected to appear in Sam Mendes' final season this year, but has since dropped out - Paltrow would be the next best thing, considering her high box-office profile as a member of Hollywood's A list.

Paltrow's last stage appearance was in a much publicized production of As You Like It at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, shortly after she won her Oscar for "Shakespeare in Love." Mary-Louise Parker created the role of Catherine, the troubled daughter of an inspired, but touched, mathematician, Off-Broadway at Manhattan Theatre Club and then on Broadway. Jennifer Jason Leigh is currently playing the part at the Walter Kerr Theatre.

Proof has won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award, among many other laurels.

As with Kidman, however, the rumors are rushing ahead of the facts: according to the Donmar's publicists negotiations with Paltrow are under way for her to appear at the Donmar, but nothing has been confirmed. This was also the case with Kidman, but hopefully Miss Paltrow will actually make it to Covent Garden.