The Playboy of the Western World 2011

Opening the new season at The Old Vic, John Crowley directs J M Synge's irreverent comic masterpiece starring Niamh Cusack, Ruth Negga and Robert Sheehan.

This savagely funny Irish classic was first produced in 1907 and was met with rioting and controversy when it premiered, sending shock waves across the dramatic world.

Set in a small village in the west coast of County Mayo, The Playboy of the Western World is a lyrical comedy which tells the story of lonely dreamer Christy Mahon who wanders into a pub, claiming that he has killed his father. Captivating the locals with his tale of bravery he becomes an instant hero but it turns out that there's an unexpected twist in his tale.