The Playboy of the Western World tickets
About The Playboy of the Western World
Don’t miss John Millington Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre in this smashing reimagining directed by the Abbey Theatre Artistic Director, Caitríona McLaughlin, and starring Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton), Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment), and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls). Book The Playboy of the Western World tickets on TodayTix.
When a drifter boy, Christy Mahon, runs into a rural pub with claims that he has murdered his father, the locals don’t react the way you might expect. Instead of panicking and turning him in, they turn him into an instant celebrity. This turns Pegeen Flaherty’s world upside down as she falls for this man who, perhaps, isn’t all he claims to be. However, tall tales must be able to stand the test of time, and Christy will find himself having to come face-to-face with his past.
The Playboy of the Western World is a play with a talented creative team which includes set and costume design by Katie Davenport, lighting by James Farncombe, and sound by Adrienne Quartly.
Run time
2hr 30min. Incl. 1 Interval.
Venue
Categories
Age
Ages 12+.
Start date
4th December, 2025
End date
28th February, 2026
Stars on stage
Nicola Coughlan
Éanna Hardwicke
Siobhán McSweeney
The Playboy of the Western World cast and creative team
Director: Caitríona McLaughlin
Cast list: Declan Conlon, Nicola Coughlan, Lorcan Cranitch, Megan Cusack, Eanna Hardwicke, Siobhan McSweeney, Marty Rea
Sets: Katie Davenport
Costumes: Katie Davenport
Lighting: James Farncombe
Sound: Adrienne Quartly
Venue
Lyttelton Theatre
Directions
Location: National Theatre
Railway station: Waterloo
Bus numbers: (Waterloo Road) 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, RV1, X68
Night bus numbers: (Waterloo Road) 139, 176, 188, 243, 341, N1, N68, N76, N171, N343
Car park: National Theatre, Upper Ground (1min)
Directions from tube: (10mins) Follow signs for exits to the South Bank. This should lead you to an underground pedestrian passage called ‘Sutton Walk’ that emerges at the South Bank. Turn right and walk along the river Thames until you see the National Theatre.
More information about The Playboy of the Western World
The Playboy of the Western World was first staged in 1907 in Dublin, making it one of the most defining works of Irish drama, celebrated for its Hiberno-English dialogue. At its heart, this show is a thrilling story about the desire to be extraordinary in a world that is offering very little excitement.
In this production, Caitríona McLaughlin does a smashing job of leaning into the play's relationship with humour and disdain, building a world where storytelling wields great power.
"This revival by the Abbey’s current artistic director, Caitríona McLaughlin, makes clear that it is something of a woman’s play, ahead of its time, with two female leads abjuring conservative Catholic morality to hope for something bigger than a small, scratching country existence." The Guardian writes.
The Playboy of the Western World in London is a true classic. One that leaves audiences howling with laughter and reflecting on class and the human condition, all in one brilliant night of theatre.
What to watch for
- The Playboy of the Western World caused protests and immense public outrage in 1907 when it premiered in Dublin.
- There were performances of the show in Philadelphia in 1912, which led to the cast being arrested on charges of immorality, though the charges would ultimately be dismissed.
- In 1962, a film version of The Playboy of the Western World was produced in Ireland by Brian Desmond Hurst.
- In 1912, there was a German translation by Sil-Vara and Charles H. Fisher, which was performed in both Germany and Austria.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Playboy of the Western World about?
Don’t miss John Millington Synge’s outrageously dramatic and funny play The Playboy of the Western World in this outstanding reimagining at the National Theatre. In this play, a stranger’s incredible confession turns him into a legend overnight, completely changing the monotonous routine of a rural town in County Mayo.
How do you get tickets for The Playboy of the Western World?
Check the top of this page for current availability on The Playboy of the Western World tickets on TodayTix.
What is the running time of The Playboy of the Western World?
The Playboy of the Western World runs for 2hr 30min. Incl. 1 Interval.
Which theatre is The Playboy of the Western World at?
The Playboy of the Western World is at London's Lyttelton Theatre, which is located at National Theatre, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX.
What is the age recommendation for The Playboy of the Western World?
Ages 12+.
How much are tickets for The Playboy of the Western World?
The Playboy of the Western World tickets start at £76.
Who wrote The Playboy of the Western World?
John Millington Synge wrote the play.
Who directed The Playboy of the Western World?
Caitríona McLaughlin is the director.
Is The Playboy of the Western World appropriate for kids?
The Playboy of the Western World is best for those ages 12+. It includes references to violence and sexuality, as well as depictions of violence and injury.
Is The Playboy of the Western World good?
The Playboy of the Western World is a gripping, atmospheric play with a formidable cast and a production that breathes new life into this Irish classic. Audiences are promised a night of lively, intimate theatre.
