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The Playboy of the Western World

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+.

Performance Times

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

-

Lyttelton Theatre, National Details

Buses Icon Bus routes: (Waterloo Road) 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, RV1, X68

Night Buses Icon Night buses: (Waterloo Road) 139, 176, 188, 243, 341, N1, N68, N76, N171, N343

Rail Icon Nearest rail: Waterloo

London Underground Icon Tube lines: Waterloo & City, Bakerloo, Northern, Jubilee

London Underground Icon Nearest tube: Waterloo

Directions Icon 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

Parking Icon Car park: National Theatre, Upper Ground (1min)

Congestion Zone Icon In congestion zone?: Yes

Facilities at Lyttelton Theatre, National

Air conditioned

Bar

Disabled toilets

Infrared hearing loop

Toilets

Wheelchair accessible

Lyttelton Theatre, National Location

South Bank, London, SE1 9PX
Get directions

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.