Nicola Coughlan Image From ‘Playboy of the Western World’ Unveiled

The U.K.’s National Theatre has released first-look rehearsal images of Nicola Coughlan, Siobhán McSweeney and Éanna Hardwicke in a new production of “The Playboy of the Western World.”

The images, photographed by Marc Brenner and Cameron Slater, show the cast preparing for the revival of Irish playwright John Millington Synge’s tale of youth and self-discovery.

The play centers on Pegeen Flaherty, whose life is disrupted when a young man enters her pub claiming to have killed his father. Rather than being ostracized, Christy Mahon becomes celebrated by the community, winning hearts and races until an unexpected arrival changes everything.

The ensemble cast includes Marty Breen as Sara Tansey, Declan Conlon as Old Mahon, Lorcan Cranitch as Michael Flaherty, Megan Cusack as Susan Brady, Naoise Dunbar as Jimmy Farrell, Matthew Forrest as Philly Cullen, Sallay Garnett as Nelly, Fionnuala Gygax as Honor Blake, Erin Hennessey as Fiddle Player and Marty Rea as Shawn Keogh. Susan Akintomide, Peter Mooney and Donncha O’Dea round out the ensemble.

Coughlan, known for her role in “Bridgerton,” will portray Pegeen Mike, while McSweeney, who gained recognition for her work in “Derry Girls,” takes on the role of Widow Quin. Hardwicke, from “The Sixth Commandment,” plays Christy Mahon.

The production is directed by Caitríona McLaughlin, artistic director of the Abbey Theatre, the National Theatre of Ireland. It will run in the Lyttelton theatre from Dec. 4, 2025, to Feb. 28, 2026.

The creative team features set and costume designer Katie Davenport, lighting designer James Farncombe, movement director Sue Mythen, sound designer Adrienne Quartly, composer Anna Mullarkey and fight director Kevin McCurdy. Casting is by Alastair Coomer CDG and Naomi Downham, with voice coach Shereen Ibrahim, dialect coach Patricia Logue and staff director Neetu Singh.