The Playboy Of The Western World Tickets

Coming soon to the Old Vic Theatre is JM Synge’s timeless comic masterpiece ‘The Playboy of the Western World’.  At the centre of controversy from it’s opening night in 1907, this play has continued to be a relevant piece of comedy for over a century.  It’s gory tale makes for a great social satire about the nature of popularity and fame; these issues are today perhaps more relevant than ever, and this new production promises to bring a fresh reading of this powerful play that fits it well into the dialogue of the twenty first century.   Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity: book your tickets for ‘The Playboy of the Western World’ now!

The story revolves around the central character of one Christy Mahon, the peculiar ‘playboy’ of the play’s title.  We are introduced to him as he enters a tavern to tell the grim story of how he has just murdered his father.  However, instead of the usual response to such an awful patricide, he quickly becomes a town celebrity!  The women fall head over heels in love with him and he wins great respect from the men for his bravery and cleverness.  It all seems set up for Christy to enjoy his new found life, but there is one catch: the fact that his father is still alive!  He bursts into the tavern, wounded, but clearly not dead at all, and instantly Christy falls from his position as the town darling to that of an ineffectual swindler.  To prove that he is the daring hero they all took him for, Christy again tries to kill his father, and this time seems almost successful.  However, contrary to their earlier convictions, the townsfolk are now furious at such a deed a prepare to execute him for murder!  He is saved at the last minute by none other than his father, who has still survived his son’s onslaughts.  The play finishes with the two men leaving the town together.

This was obviously a fairly controversial plot, an on it’s release it sparked riots in Ireland and America.  To this day it proves a challenging comedy that engages with audiences in a dynamic and humorous way.

Bringing the play to life is the director John Crowley, who is utilising the considerable acting talents of Niamh Cusack, Ruth Negga and Robert Sheehan.  As hilarious as it is rewarding, this is an event you make sure you get tickets for: you don’t want to miss out on this great opportunity.