Nicola Coughlan to star in 'The Playboy of the Western World' at the National Theatre

Directed by Abbey Theatre Artistic Director Caitríona McLaughlin, the play follows a young man on the run, who is unexpectedly elevated to folk hero status.

Derry Girls and Bridgerton actor Nicola Coughlan will star in John Millington Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre at the end of the year. Performances begin in the Lyttelton Theatre from 4 December, running until 28 February, 2026.

Directed by Abbey Theatre Artistic Director Caitríona McLaughlin — who will also direct Normal People star Paul Mescal in A Whistle in the Dark in his National Theatre debut — the play follows a young man on the run, who is unexpectedly elevated to folk hero status.

The announcement said the "Irish classic honours the rich heritage and influence of Irish drama on British theatre".

Joining Coughlan in the cast are Declan Conlon, Lorcan Cranitch, Megan Cusack, Éanna Hardwicke, Siobhán McSweeney, and Marty Rea.

The creative team will include set and costume designer Katie Davenport, lighting designer James Farncomb, sound designer Adrienne Quartly, and composer Anna Mullarkey.

Check back for The Playboy of the Western World tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Nicola Coughlan. (Photo by Billie Scheepers)