The world premiere of Jez Butterworth's The Ferryman, which, as previously announced, will begin previews at London's Royal Court April 24, prior to an official opening May 3 in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, for a run through May 20, will transfer immediately thereafter to the West End's Gielgud Theatre. It will begin performances there June 20, prior to an official opening June 29, for a 16-week run through October 7.
The Royal Court run sold out in a single day, thus becoming the fastest-selling show in the theatre's history. The company, which will comprise 38 performers, will be led by Paddy Considine, Laura Donnelly, and Genevieve O’Reilly as Quinn Carney, Caitlin Carney, and Mary Carney, respectively. The cast will also include Bríd Brennan, Turlough Convery, Fra Fee, Tom Glynn-Carney, Stuart Graham, Gerard Horan, Carla Langley, Des McAleer, Conor MacNeill, Rob Malone, Dearbhla Molloy, Eugene O’Hare, and Niall Wright, with further casting to be announced.
Set in rural Derry, 1981, the Carney farmhouse is a hive of activity with preparations for the annual harvest. A day of hard work on the land and a traditional night of feasting and celebrations lie ahead. But this year they will be interrupted by a visitor.
Developed by Sonia Friedman Productions, the West End transfer is co-produced with Neal Street Productions and Royal Court Theatre Productions.
In a press statement, Sonia Friedman commented, “We are delighted that we have made it possible to transfer Jez Butterworth's new play The Ferryman, which will move to the Gielgud Theatre almost immediately after its run at the Royal Court Theatre finishes. When it first went on sale at the Court, it sold out in record time. It became clear to us even then that there was a far larger demand to see the play than the Court run could ever accommodate. We have therefore worked at speed to find the production another home as quickly as possible, which is no mean feat, and we are very grateful to the company for helping us make this happen. It is thrilling to know that wider audiences will now have a chance to see this extraordinary new work from one of our most important writers. The scope, scale and ambition of Jez’s new play deserves this opportunity and I am delighted that together with Royal Court Theatre Productions and Neal Street Productions we are in the privileged position to make it happen.”
The Ferryman is directed by Sam Mendes, designed by Rob Howell, with lighting by Peter Mumford, and music and sound by Nick Powell.
To book tickets for the West End run, which go on general sale February 10, contact the box office on 0844 482 5130 or visit TheFerrymanPlay.com.
