

National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World
“At the edge of the earth, you could be anyone.”
Synopsis
Pegeen Flaherty’s life is turned upside down when a young man walks into her pub claiming that he’s killed his father. Instead of being shunned, the killer becomes a local hero and begins to win hearts, that is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene...
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Playboy of the Western World | Audience Reactions | National TheatreOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2025-12-16
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Nicola Coughlan
Pegeen Mike
Éanna Hardwicke
Christy Mahon
Siobhán McSweeney
Widow Quin
Declan Conlon
Old Mahon
Lorcan Cranitch
Michael Flaherty
Megan Cusack
Susan Brady
Naoise Dunbar
Jimmy Farrell
Matthew Forrest
Philly Cullen
Sallay Garnett
Nelly
Fionnuala Gygax
Honor Blake
Erin Hennessey
Fiddle
Peter Mooney
Banjo / Ensemble
Donncha O'Dea
Ensemble
Marty Rea
Shawn Keogh
Susan Akintomide
Ensemble
Martha Breen
Sara Tansey
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Caitriona McLaughlin
- Screenplay & Story
- John Millington Synge
- Original Score
- Anna Mullarkey
- Original Title
- National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 37m
- Production Studios
- National Theatre
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Caitriona McLaughlin
John Millington Synge
Anna Mullarkey
Department Leadership Roster
Caitriona McLaughlin
Director
John Millington Synge
Writer
Anna Mullarkey
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World.
Favorite Actresses
Favorites 2026 Release
National Theatre Live
All productions released by National Theatre Live, UK – either done directly by the Royal National Theatre or other UK venues/producers. [**NationalTheatre.org.uk**](https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk) / [**NTLive.com**](https://www.ntlive.com) / [**NTatHome.com**](https://www.ntathome.com) (for its US equivalent, see [**BroadwayHD**](https://www.tmdb.org/company/103196-broadwayhd) and site [**BroadwayHD.com**](https://www.broadwayhd.com).) Some productions were filmed _solely_ for their paid streaming channel "National Theatre at Home", and were branded without the "National Theatre Live" posters which those that also screened in cinemas typically got posters with. (plus: There was a 2009 BBC TV series entry titled "National Theatre Live" with the first five filmed productions that featured additional commentary, at #280519, but this was deleted by a mod!) ______________________________________________________________________ • **2024.05.09.Thu: Plays 1-100** - [**nationaltheatre.org.uk/news/national-theatre-live-100-plays-in-cinemas-1-25**](https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/news/national-theatre-live-100-plays-in-cinemas-1-25) _"National Theatre Live broadcast its 100th title, Nye, live from the Olivier stage. Now buckle up as we’re going to take you on a journey through all 100 NT Lives (you heard that right). From our first to our most recent, join us to recount all the incredible plays that have made it from the stage to the screen – with some fun facts thrown in for good measure!"_ ______________________________________________________________________ **What is National Theatre Live (NTL) & National Theatre at Home (NTaH)?** ([**Wikipedia**](https://w.wiki/9grq)) National Theatre Live is an initiative from the National Theatre (formerly "Royal National Theatre") in London, who record their own plays (and also may do/did some live broadcasts to cinemas too) and other non-National Theatre productions from selected indie/West-End theatre plays in London and beyond in the UK (eg. Chichester, et al.). Unless it's a live cinema viewing, typically once the live theatre run has ended these are then shown in cinemas. NTL cinema audiences are able to view play recordings at cinema screenings in the UK and globally (eg. Australia, Taiwan, et al.), with cinema releases either concurrently (or after an initial cinema release) also released on their paid streaming service National Theatre at Home. NTaH launched in 2020 offering access to over 100 productions, with new titles added monthly. All titles include captions, over 90% available with Audio Description, and a selection available in British Sign Language (BSL). Reaching theatre audiences globally, streaming to over 184 countries, a majority of audiences having never visited the National Theatre's South Bank home, and is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. 2026 research showed 99% of NTaH's audiences are outside London, with over 60% saying filmed theatre options support wider discoverability and increased overall theatre experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions About National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World about?
Pegeen Flaherty’s life is turned upside down when a young man walks into her pub claiming that he’s killed his father. Instead of being shunned, the killer becomes a local hero and begins to win hearts, that is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene...
Who directed National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World?
National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World was directed by Caitriona McLaughlin.
Who stars in National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World?
The principal cast of National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World includes Nicola Coughlan, Éanna Hardwicke, Siobhán McSweeney, Declan Conlon, Lorcan Cranitch.
When was National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World released and how long is it?
National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World was released in 2026 with a total runtime of 2h 37m.
Who composed the musical score for National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World?
The original motion picture soundtrack for National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World was composed by Anna Mullarkey.




















