News

The full cast has been announced for the upcoming Old Vic production of J M Synge’s outstanding Irish drama The Playboy of the Western World, which opens on Tuesday 27th September 2011, following previews from Saturday 17th September 2011. Gwendolen Chatfield, Karen Cogan, John Cormack, Drew Dillon, Christopher Doyle, Diarmuid de Faoite, James Greene, Gráinne Keenan, Frank Laverty, Gary Lydon, Bronagh Taggart and Kevin Trainor join Robert Sheehan (Christy Mahon), Ruth Negga (Pegeen Mike) and Niamh Cusack (Widow Quinn), under the direction of John Crowley.

One of Ireland’s Greatest Plays

When young Christy Mahon arrives at a County Mayo pub seeking refuge after murdering his oppressive father, the locals are beguiled by his remarkable story. He soon charms the village women, including a lonely widow and the landlord’s impressionable daughter. However, when Christy’s tall tale turns out to be less than straightforward, the locals are quick to turn on the charismatic young dreamer with dramatic consequences.

Misfits Star Makes Professional Stage Debut

Robert Sheehan is 'Christy Mahon'

Robert Sheehan is probably best known for playing the young offender ‘Nathan’ in the E4 series Misfits. He earned a BAFTA nomination for his performances in the hit sci-fi drama. He makes his professional stage debut in The Playboy of the Western World.

Niamh Cusack is 'Widow Quinn'

Niamh Cusack was recently seen on stage as ‘Edith Davenport’ in the critically acclaimed production of Terence Rattigan’s Cause Célèbre at The Old Vic. Her television credits include ITV’s Fallen Angel with Emilia Fox, The Last Detective with Peter Davison and the hugely popular Heartbeat with Nick Berry.

Ruth Negga is 'Pegeen Mike'

Ruth Negga’s theatre credits include ‘Ophelia’ in Hamlet and ‘Aricia’ in Phèdre, both directed by Nicholas Hytner at the National Theatre. Her performance in Max Stafford-Clark’s production of Duck at the Royal Court earned her an Olivier Award nomination for Best Newcomer in 2003.