Woody Harrelson, Andy Serkis and Louisa Harland to star in 'Ulster American'

David Ireland’s award-winning social satire, originally performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2018, will play at the Riverside Studios later this year.

A new production of David Ireland's Ulster American will play at the Riverside Studios from 4 December 2023 to 28 January 2024, directed by Jeremy Herrin (A Mirror, Best of Enemies), with a press night on 13 December.

Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated actor Woody Harrelson (True Detective, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) makes his long-awaited return to the London stage after nearly two decades. Harrelson takes on the role of Oscar-winning American actor Jay Conway.

Joining him is BAFTA and Emmy award-winning actor Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Batman) portraying English director Leigh Carver. Louise Harland (Derry Girls, Dancing at Lughnasa) stars as Northern Irish playwright Ruth Davenport.

"I'm delighted that this rollercoaster of a play has summoned such a stellar roster of talent to join us for this pitch black comedy at the beautifully refurbished Riverside Studios. I've always admired David Ireland’s fearlessness and the way he manages to skewer pretension in its many guises," Herrin said in a statement. "It’s an honour to bring the legend that is Woody Harrelson to London; to welcome Andy Serkis back to the stage after so much success in the movies; and to enjoy the brilliant Louisa Harland going toe-to-toe with them both. It'll be a thrilling evening and I can't wait to see our audience's reaction to this explosive show."

Joining Herrin on the creative team is costume designer Max Jones, lighting designer Olivia Fenwick, and sound designer Emma Laxton.

Rehearsals for a potentially career-transforming new play are underway, with an Oscar-winning American actor, an English director, and a Northern Irish playwright. As tensions rise, the night takes a chaotic turn, exploring power dynamics, cultural identity, and the challenges women face in the entertainment industry in this dark satire.

Check back for Ulster American tickets on London Theatre.