The National Theatre today announces full casting for The Playboy of the Western World, a story of youth and self-discovery by John Millington Synge. This new production is directed by Caitríona McLaughlin (Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre, the National Theatre of Ireland) and will play in the Lyttelton Theatre from 4 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.
Previously announced cast includes Declan Conlon as Old Mahon, Nicola Coughlan as Pegeen Mike, Lorcan Cranitch as Michael Flaherty, Megan Cusack as Susan Brady, Éanna Hardwicke as Christy Mahon, Siobhán McSweeney as Widow Quin and Marty Rea as Shawn Keogh. Completing the cast are Marty Breen as Sara Tansey, Naoise Dunbar as Jimmy Farrell, Matthew Forrest as Philly Cullen, Sallay Garnett as Nelly, Fionnuala Gygax as Honor Blake, and Erin Hennessey as Fiddle Player, with Susan Akintomide, Peter Mooney and Donncha O’Dea joining the ensemble.
At the edge of the earth, you could be anyone. Pegeen Flaherty’s life is turned upside down when, on an ordinary day, a young man walks into her pub claiming that he’s killed his father. Instead of being shunned, the supposed killer, Christy Mahon, becomes a local hero. The welcome murderer wins hearts and races as he embeds himself into village life — until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene.
Director Caitríona McLaughlin is joined by set and costume designer Katie Davenport, lighting designer James Farncombe, movement director Sue Mythen, sound designer Adrienne Quartly, composer Anna Mullarkey, fight director Kevin McCurdy, casting by Alastair Coomer CDG and Naomi Downham, voice coach Shereen Ibrahim, dialect coach Patricia Logue and staff director Neetu Singh.
Playing in the Lyttelton Theatre from 4 December 2025 to 28 February 2026, press performance Thursday 11 December 2025 at 7pm. Tickets are available from £20 and are on sale now via the National Theatre website.
STAGE DOOR JOE 