Directed by John Crowley, this major new production stars Robert Sheehan as Christy Mahon, Ruth Negga as Pegeen Mike and Niamh Cusack as Widow Quinn with Gwendolen Chatfield, Karen Cogan, John Cormack, Drew Dillon, Christopher Doyle, Diarmuid de Faoite, James Greene, Gráinne Keenan, Frank Laverty, Gary Lydon, Bronagh Taggart and Kevin Trainor.

In a previous statement director Crowley said, "I'm absolutely thrilled to be directing The Playboy of The Western World at The Old Vic. It's been my most favorite play for the longest time, and we're gathering such an exciting cast to bring it to life."

"Set in a small village on the west coast of County Mayo," The Playboy of the Western World, according to press notes, "tells the story of lonely dreamer Christy Mahon (Robert Sheehan) who takes refuge in Michael Flaherty’s pub, claiming that he has killed his oppressive father. Christy beguiles the locals with his tall and dramatic tale of bravery in the face of danger and becomes an instant hero. He both charms the village women including Widow Quinn (Niamh Cusack) and captures the heart of the landlord’s fiery daughter Pegeen (Ruth Negga). However, when his tale turns out to be less straightforward than they first thought, the simmering violence of the villagers comes to light."

The Playboy of the Western World premiered at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in 1907, provoking riots in the audience during its opening run. In the intervening years, the play became an Irish classic and enjoyed successful revivals including the 1975 National Theatre production at The Old Vic with Stephen Rea as Christy.

The production also features designs by Scott Pask, lighting design by Howard Harrison and sound design by Christopher Shutt.

For ticket information call 0844 871 7628 or visit www.oldvictheatre.com.