Nicola Coughlan and ‘Derry Girls’ Co-Star Siobhan McSweeney Reunite in Trailer for National Theatre’s ‘Playboy of the Western World’ (EXCLUSIVE)
London’s National Theatre is banking on Irish star power this winter with its upcoming production of “The Playboy of the Western World,” and Variety can exclusively reveal the first trailer for the production that reunites “Derry Girls” favorites Nicola Coughlan and Siobhan McSweeney.
The trailer offers a first look at Coughlan stepping away from the Regency ballrooms of “Bridgerton” to tackle John Millington Synge’s classic tale of rural Irish life. The “Derry Girls” reunion adds extra buzz to what’s shaping up as one of the festive season’s major theatrical openings.
Coughlan takes on the role of Margaret Flaherty, also known as Pegeen, a woman yearning to break free of village life whose world is upended when Christopher Mahon, played by “The Sixth Commandment” star Éanna Hardwicke, walks into her pub claiming he has killed his father. Rather than being shunned, the self-proclaimed murderer becomes an unlikely local hero.
The production, directed by Caitríona McLaughlin, artistic director of Dublin’s Abbey Theatre, features an ensemble Irish cast that also includes Declan Conlon, Lorcan Cranitch, Megan Cusack and Marty Rea. McSweeney plays Widow Quin, a villager who grows suspicious of Mahon’s charm after others have fallen under his spell.
Synge’s 1907 play, considered as central to Irish theater as “Hamlet” is to British drama, follows the charismatic Christy Mahon as he beds himself into village life, winning hearts and races until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene, threatening to upend his newfound status.
The creative team includes set and costume designer Katie Davenport, lighting designer James Farncombe, sound designer Adrienne Quartly, composer Anna Mullarkey, with casting by Alastair Coomer CDG and Naomi Downham.
“The Playboy of the Western World” runs in the Lyttelton Theatre from Dec. 4 through Feb. 28.
Watch the trailer here:
