At the edge of the earth, you could be anyone.
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 Coughlan (Bridgerton), Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) in John Millington Synge’s riveting story of youth and self-discovery.
For assisted performances and people with access requirements, please book directly through the National Theatre.
Important Information
This production contains references to murder and violence, sexual references, complex family relationships and alcoholism.Age Restrictions
Ages 12+.Now taking bookings for performances from Mon 19th January 2026 until Sat 28th February 2026.
Show times for each day are below.
Mon
7.30pm
Tue
-
Wed
2.15pm
7.30pm
Thu
7.30pm
Fri
7.30pm
Sat
7.30pm
Sun
-
Bus routes: (Waterloo Road) 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, RV1, X68
Night buses: (Waterloo Road) 139, 176, 188, 243, 341, N1, N68, N76, N171, N343
Nearest rail: Waterloo
Tube lines: Waterloo & City, Bakerloo, Northern, Jubilee
Nearest tube: Waterloo
Directions
from Waterloo :
(10mins) Follow signs for exits to the South Bank. This should lead you to an underground pedestrian passage called ‘Sutton Walk’ that emerges at the South Bank. Turn right and walk along the river Thames until you see the National Theat
Car park: National Theatre, Upper Ground (1min)
In congestion zone?: Yes
Air conditioned
Bar
Disabled toilets
Infrared hearing loop
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible
Please note: The location shown on the map is an approximate location of the theatre. In the majority of cases the theatre will be marked on the map so please make sure you locate the exact location yourself. If the theatre is not shown on the map please make sure you locate the correct road name and take account of the directions.
The Playboy of the Western World
Lyttelton Theatre, National, London
Running until: Sat 28th February 2026
Running time: 2hr 30min. Incl. 1 Interval.