A young man in a patterned waistcoat sits on a bench in front of a concrete wall. Behind him, a group of women, recalling J.M. Synge's *Playboy of the Western World*, look through a window with concerned or serious expressions.

A woman in period clothing stands in the foreground looking concerned, whilst a man in similar attire stands behind her holding a glass. The dimly lit stage with wooden table and chairs evokes an Irish play like J.M. Synge’s Playboy of the Western World.

A woman in period clothing stands in the foreground looking concerned, whilst a man in similar attire stands behind her holding a glass. The dimly lit stage with wooden table and chairs evokes an Irish play like J.M. Synge’s Playboy of the Western World.

A theatrical scene from J.M. Synge's Irish play, Playboy of the Western World, shows a group of actors onstage—one stands on a table, others gather around, and another kneels—all amid rustic décor with a table and chairs.

A theatrical scene from J.M. Synge's Irish play, Playboy of the Western World, shows a group of actors onstage—one stands on a table, others gather around, and another kneels—all amid rustic décor with a table and chairs.

NT Live Encore

The Playboy of the Western World

Tue 9 Jun 2026

Venue: Festival Theatre

National Theatre Live returns to the Festival Theatre big screen.

At the edge of the earth, you could be anyone

Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) in John Millington Synge’s riveting play of youth and self-discovery.

Pegeen Flaherty’s life is turned upside down when a young man walks into her pub claiming that he’s killed his father. Instead of being shunned, the killer becomes a local hero and begins to win hearts, that is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene…

Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Caitríona McLaughlin directs this darkly funny tale full to the brim with secrets.

"A sumptuous production, rich in detail, craft and spectacle"
The Guardian

"Two of Ireland’s best-loved comic actors go head-to-head"
The Independent

"A strong turn from Nicola Coughlan"
The Standard

"A twisty treat"
The i

"Nicola Coughlan and Siobhán McSweeney reunite for an Irish classic"
Broadway World

A man sits on a green wooden table while a woman leans towards him. Both, dressed in theatrical costumes, appear to be engaged in conversation on stage with rustic props, evoking J.M. Synge's Irish play, Playboy of the Western World. — © Marc Brenner

A person wearing a green knitted jumper and grey dungarees performs on stage in an Irish play, leaning forward with arms extended and an intense expression, with wooden chairs blurred in the background. — © Marc Brenner

A woman in a black dress and corset sits slouched on a wooden bench, her arms resting on the backrest. She has a neutral expression, evoking the mood of an Irish play like J.M. Synge’s Playboy of the Western World, in a rustic room with wooden furniture. — © Marc Brenner

A woman in period costume kneels and screams on the floor before a wooden table, with several people gathered behind her on a dimly lit stage set, evoking the intense emotion of Synge’s Irish drama Playboy of the Western World. — © Marc Brenner

A woman in a green and brown period costume stands behind a wooden table and chair in a rustic room, evoking the world of J. M. Synge’s Irish play, Playboy of the Western World. She gazes off to the side with a neutral expression. — © Marc Brenner

A man stands with his fist raised and mouth open, appearing to shout, whilst a woman in a black dress sits calmly before him. They are onstage with simple props and a muted background, evoking the tension of an Irish play like Synge’s Playboy of the Western World. — © Marc Brenner

A man sits on a green wooden table while a woman leans towards him. Both, dressed in theatrical costumes, appear to be engaged in conversation on stage with rustic props, evoking J.M. Synge's Irish play, Playboy of the Western World.

A person wearing a green knitted jumper and grey dungarees performs on stage in an Irish play, leaning forward with arms extended and an intense expression, with wooden chairs blurred in the background.

A woman in a black dress and corset sits slouched on a wooden bench, her arms resting on the backrest. She has a neutral expression, evoking the mood of an Irish play like J.M. Synge’s Playboy of the Western World, in a rustic room with wooden furniture.

A woman in period costume kneels and screams on the floor before a wooden table, with several people gathered behind her on a dimly lit stage set, evoking the intense emotion of Synge’s Irish drama Playboy of the Western World.

A woman in a green and brown period costume stands behind a wooden table and chair in a rustic room, evoking the world of J. M. Synge’s Irish play, Playboy of the Western World. She gazes off to the side with a neutral expression.

A man stands with his fist raised and mouth open, appearing to shout, whilst a woman in a black dress sits calmly before him. They are onstage with simple props and a muted background, evoking the tension of an Irish play like Synge’s Playboy of the Western World.

Performance details

Show times: Evening; 7.30pm
Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes, including interval
Age suitability: 12A

Discounts

Friends 20% off – Read more about the Friends discount

Concessions £3 off.

Accessibility information

We believe theatre is for everyone, and we want your visit to be as easy and enjoyable as possible.

If you’d like advice when booking or planning your trip, please contact our box office team for further assistance.

You can find detailed access information for the Festival Theatre below.

More access information