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The Playboy of the Western World completed its run at the National Theatre’s Lyttelton Theatre on 28 February 2026.

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Directed by Caitríona McLaughlin (Artistic Director, Abbey Theatre), this major revival of John Millington Synge’s iconic Irish masterpiece starred Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton, Derry Girls), Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment), and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) — three of Ireland’s most acclaimed screen and stage talents.

★★★★ “A twisty treat” (i Paper)

Darkly comic, deeply poetic and sharply relevant, Synge’s 1907 play offered a searing exploration of identity, storytelling and the intoxicating power of myth, asking what happens when fantasy becomes more appealing than the truth.

Set in rural County Mayo, this Irish classic told the story of Christy Mahon, a mysterious young man who stumbled into a pub claiming he had killed his father. Instead of condemnation, he was met with fascination — and even adoration. But when reality caught up with the myth, the community was forced to reckon with the truth behind the tale.

At once funny, shocking and poetic, The Playboy of the Western World explored identity, heroism and the lies we tell to be loved.

First performed in 1907 at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, the play famously caused riots for its bold portrayal of Irish rural life. Today, it remains a cornerstone of Irish drama — rich with biting humour, lyrical dialogue and timeless questions about fame, morality and self-invention.

This National Theatre and Abbey Theatre collaboration brought Synge’s work to the Lyttelton stage in a powerful revival, reaffirming the deep cultural ties between Ireland and the UK.

Pegeen Flaherty’s life is turned upside down when, on a normal day, a young man walks into her pub claiming that he’s killed his father. Instead of being shunned, the killer Christopher Mahon becomes a local hero. The welcome murderer wins hearts and races as he beds himself into village life. That is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene…

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Performance Information

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Stars and Creatives

Éanna Hardwicke – Biography, Theatre & Screen Credits
Éanna Hardwicke – Biography, Theatre & Screen Credits
Siobhán McSweeney – Biography, Theatre & Screen Credits
Siobhán McSweeney – Biography, Theatre & Screen Credits
Nicola Coughlan – Biography, Theatre & Screen Credits
Nicola Coughlan – Biography, Theatre & Screen Credits

Who is in the cast of The Playboy of the Western World?

  • Nicola Coughlan as Pegeen Flaherty
  • Éanna Hardwicke as Christy Mahon
  • Siobhán McSweeney as Widow Quin
  • Megan Cusack as Susan Brady
  • Declan Conlon as Old Mahon
  • Marty Rea as Shawn Keogh
  • Lorcan Cranitch as Michael James Flaherty
  • Marty Breen as Sara Tansey
  • Naoise Dunbar as Jimmy Farrell
  • Matthew Forrest as Philly Cullen
  • Sallay Garnett as Nelly
  • Fionnuala Gygax as Honor Blake
  • Erin Hennessey as Fiddle Player
  • Ensemble includes Susan Akintomide, Peter Mooney and Donncha O’Dea 

Who are the creative team of The Playboy of the Western World?

  • Director: Caitríona McLaughlin
  • Set and Costume Design: Katie Davenport
  • Lighting Design: James Farncombe
  • Sound Design: Adrienne Quartly
  • Composer: Anna Mullarkey
  • Casting: Alastair Coomer CDG & Naomi Downham
  • Movement director: Sue Mythen
  • Fight director: Kevin McCurdy
  • Voice coach: Shereen Ibrahim
  • Dialect coach: Patricia Logue
  • Staff director: Neetu Singh

Important Notes

Please note: This production contains references to murder and violence, sexual references, complex family relationships and alcoholism.

Venue Information

National Theatre - Lyttelton Theatre , Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PX

Nearest Tube or Train: Waterloo (Jubilee line, Northern line, Bakerloo line)

Nearest Buses: 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, X68, RV1

Directions

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Critics' reviews of The Playboy of the Western World

★★★★ "Nicola Coughlan is a spirited presence in the classic Irish drama that still sets off sparks" - The i Paper

● "It’s a great coup for the National Theatre to have tempted Nicola Coughlan back to the stage" - The Standard

● "Nicola Coughlan serves comedy and tragedy" - The Guardian

● "Siobhán McSweeney... raises many a smile as the conniving Widow Quin" - The Times

● "Gorgeous" - The Independent

● "Appealingly edgy and unsettling" - The Stage

● "A sumptuous production, rich in detail, craft and spectacle" - What's On Stage

Frequently Asked Questions

The Playboy of the Western World is playing at the National Theatre - Lyttelton Theatre in London
The running time of The Playboy of the Western World is 2 hours 30 minutes (including interval)
The age recommendations for The Playboy of the Western World are: 12+
Yes, The Playboy of the Western World has matinee performances on the following days: Wednesday, Saturday
No, sorry, The Playboy of the Western World has now completed its run and is no longer on sale.

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