Latest news with #PlayboyoftheWesternWorld
Extra.ie
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
WATCH: Fans swoon over sultry first look at Playboy of the Western World revival
Audiences are already in a frenzy after a sultry first glimpse of The Playboy of the Western World hit our screens. The beloved play returns in a bold new production from Abbey Theatre Artistic Director Catriona McLaughlin and boasts a star studded Irish cast. The preview, a co-production between Dublin's Abbey Theatre and London's National Theatre, has set social media alight with whispers of its daring tone and electrifying cast. Audiences are already in a frenzy after a sultry first glimpse of The Playboy of the Western World hit our screens. Nicola Coughlan brings fire to the role of Margaret Flaherty, opposite Siobhán McSweeney's sharp-witted Widow Quin, while Éanna Hardwicke takes centre stage as the enigmatic Christopher Mahon. Joining them are Megan Cusack as Susan Brady, Lorcan Cranitch as Michael James Flaherty, and Marty Rea as the pious Shawn Keogh—together promising a revival that's as seductive as it is subversive. In a brief clip shared to TikTok, former Derry Girls Nicola and Siobhán can be seen trapped behind glass as they fawn over a knitwear clad Hardwicke among other admirers. Nicola briefly breaks free and perches herself next to the Cork native as she stares at him longingly, before directing her attention back to the audience. Fans were quick to take to the comments to show the sultry promo some love. 'Sweet suffering Jesus,' one user shared. Nicola Coughlan brings fire to the role of Margaret Flaherty, opposite Siobhán McSweeney's sharp-witted Widow Quin, while Éanna Hardwicke takes centre stage as the enigmatic Christopher Mahon. Pic:'I would die if @nicolacoughlan looked at me like that,' another penned. 'So excited to watch Siobhán and Nic together again, they are absolute magic! The chemistry already with Éanna is soooo good!' a third lauded. For those unfamiliar with the story, it depicts how Pegeen Flaherty's life is turned upside down when, on a normal day, a young man walks into her pub claiming that he's killed his father. Instead of being shunned, the killer Christy Mahon becomes a local hero. The welcome murderer wins hearts and races as he beds himself into village life. That is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene. Playboy of the Western World takes to the London stage from Thursday, December 4, 2025 until Saturday February 28, 2026.
Extra.ie
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Derry Girls stars reunite for new production
Two of Derry Girls' breakout stars are set to reunite later this year as they take to the stage in London in a new production of Playboy of the Western World. The cast was recently announced and eagle-eyed fans were quick to spot that both Nicola Coughlan and Siobhan McSweeney would be appearing. The duo starred in the hit Channel 4 series as Claire and Sister Michael, and now will be taking to the National Theatre stage in the UK in the John Millington Synge's story of youth and self-discovery. The Playboy of the Western World Pic: The National Theatre For those unfamiliar with the story, it depicts how Pegeen Flaherty's life is turned upside down when, on a normal day, a young man walks into her pub claiming that he's killed his father. Instead of being shunned, the killer Christy Mahon becomes a local hero. The welcome murderer wins hearts and races as he beds himself into village life. That is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene… This iteration will be directed by the Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, Catriona McLaughlin, with Nicola starring as Margaret Flaherty, and Siobhan as Widow Quin, alongside Éanna Hardwicke as Christopher Majon, Megan Cusack as Susan Brady, Lorcan Cranitch as Michael James Flaherty, and Marty Rea as Shawn Keogh. Siobhán McSweeney and Nicola Coughlan during the BAFTA Television and Television Craft Nominees' Party in April 2025 Pic: John Armour/BAFTA via Getty Images The show is actually a co-production between the National Theatre in the UK and the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. It's not the only collaboration between the two groups either as A Whistle in the Dark starring Paul Mescal will be staged in both London and Dublin. Speaking on the news, McLaughlin shared: 'It is very meaningful for us at the Abbey Theatre to have such fulsome engagement in this next chapter of the National Theatre of Great Britain. Mark O'Brien, Catriona McLoughlin and Darren Murphy at the opening of Landmark Productions' 20th anniversary production Krapp's Last Tape by Samuel Beckett. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography 'It will be an honour to bring The Playboy of the Western World and A Whistle in the Dark before audiences in London. Every generation deserves to see these two seminal works of the Irish canon.' Playboy of the Western World takes to the London stage from Thursday, December 4, 2025 until Saturday February 28, 2026.
Extra.ie
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Nicola Coughlan set for major reunion with fellow Derry Girls star
It looks like a Derry Girls reunion is on the cards, and we couldn't be more excited! Nicola Coughlan and Siobhán McSweeney, also known as Clare Devlin and Sister Michael, are set to reunite on the stage in a star-studded revival of The Playboy of the Western World. The dynamic duo will also be joined by Normal People actor, Éanna Hardwicke, rounding out an incredible Irish cast. It looks like a Derry Girls reunion is on the cards and we couldn't be more excited! Pic: Lisa O'Connor/Shutterstock for SAG The highly anticipated production will be directed by the artistic director of the Abbey Theatre, the National Theatre of Ireland, Caitríona McLaughlin. Nicola shared the news on social media, writing: 'Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre. Reuniting with an old friend for a new adventure doing an Irish classic. So excited to be bringing the Wesht of Ireland to the @nationaltheatre.' The play's synopsis reads: 'Pegeen Flaherty's life is turned upside down when, on a normal day, a young man walks into her pub claiming that he's killed his father. Nicola Coughlan and Siobhán McSweeney, also known as Clare Devlin and Sister Michael, are set to reunite on the stage in a star-studded revival of The Playboy of the Western World. Pic: Rowben Lantion/BAFTA via Getty Images 'Instead of being shunned, the killer Christy Mahon becomes a local hero. The welcome murderer wins hearts and races as he beds himself into village life. That is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene…' The production will be staged in the Lyttelton Theatre in London from 4 December 2025 to 28 February 2026. Nicola isn't the only Irish star returning to the stage, with Paul Mescal taking the short stroll up O'Connell Street to appear on the Abbey Theatre stage in 2027. The Normal People and Gladiator II star is set to make his debut at London's National Theatre in A Whistle In The Dark, which will then transfer to the Abbey.
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Nicola Coughlan shares her excitement as she reveals she's set to reunite with Derry Girls co-star for new project
Nicola Coughlan has shared her excitement as she revealed she's set to reunite with one of her Derry Girls co-star for a new project. The actress, 38, - who played Clare Devlin in the Channel 4 sitcom - will soon star in show Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre. And Siobhán McSweeney who played the iconic role of Sister Michael will be acting alongside her. Sharing the news on her Instagram on Tuesday, Nicola wrote: 'Reuniting with an old friend for a new adventure doing an Irish classic 'So excited to be bringing the Wesht of Ireland to the @nationaltheatre.' Sharing the news herself, Siobhán penned on her socials: 'What a delight to finally reveal this. Luckiest girl in the world. 'Thank you @nationaltheatre for allowing me back.' The Playboy of the Western World is a three-act play written by Irish playwright John Millington Synge, first performed at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in 1907. A synopsis reads: 'Pegeen Flaherty's life is turned upside down when, on a normal day, a young man walks into her pub claiming that he's killed his father. 'Instead of being shunned, the killer Christy Mahon becomes a local hero. The welcome murderer wins hearts and races as he beds himself into village life. That is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene…' Caitríona McLaughlin (Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre, Dublin) directs Nicola, Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán in John's story of youth and self-discovery. Last week, Nicola appeared smitten with boyfriend Jake Dunn as they made their red carpet debut at the Bafta TV and Craft awards nominees party. The actress and her Renegade Nell star partner, 25, could barely keep their eyes off each other as they arrived at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Nicola looked elegant for the evening in a figure-hugging black jacket dress which featured an eye-catching tulle bow on the back. And Siobhán McSweeney who played the iconic role of Sister Michael will be acting alongside her Sharing the news herself, Siobhán penned on her socials: 'What a delight to finally reveal this. Luckiest girl in the world' She layered the statement garment over a pair of black tights as she slipped into a pair of towering black platform heels. To finish her chic ensemble, the blonde beauty toted her belongings around in a small satin micro bag. Meanwhile Jake opted for a much more casual appearance as he stepped out in a pair of white trainers and a two-piece navy suit. He layered his suit over a burgundy wool jumper and a white shirt which he opted to keep the top button open. Nicola went Instagram official with Jake in February as she took to her Stories to celebrate her boyfriend's 25th birthday with a sweet post. She shared a photo of Dunn sitting on what appears to be a set as he looked up at the sky. 'Happy Birthday ♥️,' she wrote on the post. Nicola and Jake met after being after being introduced by her Derry Girls co-star and close friend Louisa Harland. Following months of hiding the budding relationship, Nicola and Jake, finally confirmed their romance in October after they were spotted returning home hand-in-hand from a pub trip in North London. Friends of the couple told MailOnline: 'They're absolutely besotted with each other and have so much fun together. 'Despite their busy schedules, they've slotted into each other's lives so easily as they share such a big group of mutual friends.' Jake, who graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2023, has appeared in projects opposite Nicola's Derry Girls co-stars Louisa Harland and Dylan Llewellyn, 32. Like Nicola, the London-born actor has also starred in a period drama, Disney's Renegade Nell, opposite Louisa. The source added: 'When Derry Girls ended Nicola, Dylan and Louisa remained the best of friends and always supported each other in their careers so it made sense Nicola met Jake.' While still at drama school, Jake was booked on for the Channel 4 Big Boys opposite Dylan and was written by Jack Rooke who is a close friend of Nicola's. The gang of friends are big supporters of each other's work and are often spotted hanging out in North West London where Nicola has a house in the trendy Stoke Newington area.
Irish Times
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Paul Mescal to return to Irish stage in ‘taut, explosive, pressure cooker of a play'
Paul Mescal is to return to the Irish stage to star in A Whistle in the Dark, by Tom Murphy. He will lead the cast of the play, about an Irish emigrant in the English midlands who tries in vain to escape his violent family, when it comes to Dublin in 2027, after opening at the National Theatre in London. The coproduction is being directed by the Abbey's artistic director, Caitríona McLaughlin, who calls A Whistle in the Dark, which was first performed at the Royal Court Theatre in London in 1961, 'a taut, explosive, pressure cooker of a play'. It will be the first time that the UK National Theatre will have staged Murphy's work. Mescal, whose first professional role was in The Great Gatsby , at the Gate Theatre in Dublin in 2017, appeared at the Abbey the following year in Asking for It , a dramatisation of Louise O'Neill's bestselling book. READ MORE Earlier this year he appeared on stage in New York in the Tennessee Williams play A Streetcar Named Desire; he won an Olivier Award for best actor for his portrayal of Stanley Kowalski when the production ran in the West End of London in 2023. Murphy's powerful and menacing masterpiece, which he wrote at the age of 25, centres on the Carney family visiting their emigrant son in Coventry, and their inability to escape tribal violence and twisted masculinity. The play is the best known and most performed of the acclaimed and influential Irish playwright, who died in 2018. McLaughlin will also direct JM Synge's The Playboy of the Western World for the UK National Theatre's Christmas season this year, with an all-star Irish cast that includes Declan Conlon, Nicola Coughlan, Lorcan Cranitch, Megan Cusack, Éanna Hardwicke, Siobhán McSweeney and Marty Rea. McLaughlin said it was 'very meaningful for us at the Abbey Theatre to have such fulsome engagement in this next chapter of the National Theatre of Great Britain. It will be an honour to bring Playboy of the Western World and A Whistle in the Dark before audiences in London. Every generation deserves to see these two seminal works of the Irish canon.' She was 'thrilled to take on these two great Irish plays. The Playboy of the Western World holds a special place in my heart because it is synonymous with the origins of our theatre and has such significance to the history of our art form. A Whistle in the Dark is a taut, explosive, pressure cooker of a play. 'Both plays hold in common the opportunity to reinvent yourself, the desire to realise one's own potential, and what happens when that opportunity is squandered or lost.' Mescal, who is from Maynooth, in Co Kildare, and studied at the Lir Academy, in Dublin, shot to fame following his portrayal of Conall in Normal People, the 2020 television adaptation of Sally Rooney's novel. He was nominated for an Oscar for Aftersun and recently starred in Gladiator II. His Abbey debut was the stage version of Louise O'Neill's Asking for It.
