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Get A Whistle in the Dark Tickets London

Paul Mescal stars in Tom Murphy’s searing family drama, A Whistle in the Dark, directed by Caitríona McLaughlin.

Paul Mescal (Gladiator 2, All of Us Strangers, Normal People) makes his highly anticipated National Theatre debut in a double bill of explosive 20th-century dramas. A Whistle in the Dark, performed in repertory alongside Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, sees Mescal take on the role of Michael Carney – a man fighting to carve out a new life in England while the violent shadow of his Irish family looms ever larger.

A visceral portrayal of family loyalty, power, and self-destruction, Tom Murphy’s gripping play unleashes the raw tensions within the Carney household as Michael’s home is invaded by his brutal, brawling brothers.

Directed by Caitríona McLaughlin, A Whistle in the Dark is a blistering clash between the desire for peace and the pull of violence, set against the claustrophobic backdrop of a tiny Coventry flat.

Don’t miss the chance to witness Paul Mescal’s electrifying performance as a man teetering on the edge of chaos – a role that promises to be one of the must-see events of the National Theatre’s 2027 season.

Why You Can’t Miss It

  • Paul Mescal in a towering performance – Fresh from the success of Gladiator 2 and his Olivier Award winning performance in A Streetcar Named Desire, Mescal delivers a gripping portrayal of a man battling inner and outer demons.
  • Directed by Caitríona McLaughlin – The Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre brings her searing vision to Tom Murphy’s unflinching classic.
  • In repertory with Death of a Salesman – Don’t miss the chance to see Mescal take on two iconic roles in one thrilling repertory season.

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Set in Coventry, England, the story follows Michael Carney, the eldest of a volatile Irish family, as he tries to distance himself from his violent, domineering father and his four hot-headed brothers. When the Carneys move in with Michael and his English wife, Betty, tensions boil over, leading to a tragic and explosive conclusion.

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Stars and Creatives

Who is in the cast of A Whistle in the Dark?

Starring Paul Mescal

Who are the creative team of A Whistle in the Dark?

  • Playwright Tom Murphy
  • Director Caitríona McLaughlin

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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Frequently Asked Questions

A Whistle in the Dark is playing at the National Theatre - Lyttelton Theatre in London
Yes, A Whistle in the Dark has matinee performances on the following days:
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