Ulster American
Ulster American - 2023 West End History , Info & More
Riverside Studios
Hammersmith London
An Oscar-winning American actor, an English director and a Northern Irish playwright are about to begin rehearsals for a new play — one that could transform each of their careers. But when it turns out that they’re not on the same page, the night threatens to spiral out of control.
Power dynamics, cultural identity and the perils of being a woman in the entertainment industry; nothing is off limits in this pitch-black comedy from the award-winning playwright David Ireland.
Don’t miss this exclusive 8 week run starring Woody Harrelson, Andy Serkis and Louisa Harland, directed by Jeremy Herrin (Best of Enemies, People, Places and Things).
Ulster American - 2023 - West End Cast
FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Ulster American
The Cheers star is having a ball in this insider take on the facile side of showbiz
8 / 10
It will surely divide opinion and Jeremy Herrin’s production also invites complaints of over-statement – there’s a slight strain to some moments, now the play is set before a larger crowd. And yet, aside from a denouement that achieves that rare thing, shock-value, the evening offers the unmistakable pleasure that an actor of Harrelson’s stature has bothered to come over, and throw himself into a gleeful portrait of a visiting Yank as the grisly epitome of preening, mansplaining insufferability.
An exuberant Woody Harrelson in over-the-top satire
6 / 10
Absurdity is piled on absurdity. Some of the jokes at Jay’s expense reminded me of The Strike, that marvellous little Comic Strip film in which a fictional version of Al Pacino sets about rewriting the miners’ strike when he plays Arthur Scargill on the big screen. Ireland’s writing isn’t as ingenious as that, but Harrelson gives such a winningly preposterous display, flouncing around Max Jones’s sleek set in a pair of outrageous pantaloons, that you’re willing to overlook the implausibilities. The moment when Jay, who delivers a few slaps at theatre critics, reveals that he is just as desperate for acclaim as any of his fellow thespians provoked a storm of laughter.
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by Aliya Al-Hassan - December 14, 2023
An Oscar-winning American actor, an English director and a Northern Irish playwright are about to begin rehearsals for a new play — one that could transform each of their careers. But when it turns out that they’re not on the same page, the night threatens to spiral out of control. The eight week run starring Woody Harrelson, Andy Serkis and Louisa Harland has now opened; so what did the critics think?
by Aliya Al-Hassan - December 14, 2023
Ulster American, last seen in Edinburgh in 2018, opens with a debate about using the n-word. So far, so Ireland. We then touch on sex, consent, religion, Unionism, the IRA and Brexit, all crafted with bitingly sharp humour. It’s a lot to take in.
by Stephi Wild - December 8, 2023
We've got a first look at production photos for award-winning playwright David Ireland’s Ulster American directed by Jeremy Herrin and starring Woody Harrelson, Andy Serkis and Louisa Harland.
by Aliya Al-Hassan - October 12, 2023
Exclusive: Now Onsale for Ulster American. An Oscar-winning American actor, an English director and a Northern Irish playwright are about to begin rehearsals for a new play — one that could transform each of their careers. But when it turns out that they’re not on the same page, the night threatens to spiral out of control.
Ulster American FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Ulster American History
Other Productions of Ulster American
| 2023 | West End |
West End |
| 2026 | Off-Broadway |
Off-Broadway |
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