The Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre – rehearsal photos released

Rehearsal photos have been revealed for a revival of The Playboy of the Western World.

John Millington Synge’s Irish classic honours the rich heritage and influence of Irish drama on British theatre. It’ll be directed by the artistic director of the Abbey Theatre, the National Theatre of Ireland, Caitríona McLaughlin.

The piece is one of the early productions in a bumper inaugural season from director Indhu Rubasingham, which you can read more about here.

Starring in The Playboy of the Western World will be 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.

Joining them 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, Erin Hennessey as Fiddle Player with Susan Akintomide, Peter Mooney and Donncha O’Dea joining the ensemble.

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Completing the creative team will be set and costume designer Katie Davenport, lighting designer James Farncomb, sound designer Adrienne Quartly, composer Anna Mullarkey and casting directors Alastair Coomer and Naomi Downham.

The revival will be staged in the Lyttelton Theatre from 4 December 2025 to 28 February 2026. An official opening is set for 11 December 2025.

Additionally, McLaughlin will direct A Whistle in the Dark, with Paul Mescal, which is also part of the season. Find out more here.

Listen to a free exclusive WhatsOnStage Podcast about the season here: