The Playboy of the Western World

The Playboy of the Western World description

It's an all-time classic! This three-act play by Irish playwright John Millington Synge, The Playboy of the Western World is due to make waves at the National Theatre, a brand new production of a story that never grows old. Originally produced at Dublin's Abbey Theatre way back in 1907, the play caused riots at the time. Today it remains just as relevant, shocking and compelling. Watch what happens when Pegeen Flaherty’s life is turned upside down by a young man who walks into her pub and claims he has murdered his own father. Far from being rejected by the community, the killer Christy Mahon soon becomes a local hero, a man who melts hearts as he makes himself comfortable in the village. But when another man turns up, everything changes.

An icon of its time, this masterpiece has been given a bold revival at the National Theatre, directed by the Artistic Director of Dublin's Abbey Theatre, Caitríona McLaughlin. Starring three acclaimed Irish actors: Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton, Derry Girls), Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls), Megan Cusack plays Susan Brady, Declan Conlon is Old Mahon, Marty Rea is Shawn Keogh, and Lorcan Cranitch plays Michael James Flaherty. Set and Costume Design comes from Katie Davenport, with Lighting Design by James Farncombe, Sound Design from Adrienne Quartly, music from Composer Anna Mullarkey and Casting from Alastair Coomer CDG and Naomi Downham. Big, bold, intelligent drama, not to be missed.

Playing at Lyttelton - National Theatre (venue info)