The Ferryman (play)


The Ferryman is a 2017 play by Jez Butterworth. Set during the Troubles, it tells the story of the family of a former IRA volunteer, living in their farmhouse in rural County Armagh, Northern Ireland in 1981.

Synopsis

The play is set in a farmhouse in County Armagh, Northern Ireland in 1981. It is harvest day in 1981 and a multi-generational Irish Catholic farming family consisting of Quinn, Mary, and their seven children share their rural home with Uncle Pat, Aunt Mary, Aunt Pat, Quinn's sister-in-law Caitlin, and her son Oisin. Caitlin's husband 'disappeared' in 1971 and his remains have been uncovered at a politically sensitive time for the Republican Movement.

Production history

London (2017)

The Ferryman had its world premiere at the Royal Court Theatre on 24 April 2017 running to 20 May, directed by Sam Mendes. It was the fastest-selling play in Royal Court Theatre history. The cast included Paddy Considine, Laura Donnelly, Genevieve O'Reilly, Bríd Brennan, Fra Fee, John Hodgkinson, Stuart Graham, Gerard Horan, Carla Langley, Des McAleer, Conor MacNeill, Rob Malone, Dearbhla Molloy, Eugene O'Hare and Niall Wright.

West End (2017–2018)

The production transferred to the Gielgud Theatre, opening on 29 June 2017, following previews from 20 June. After a first cast change on 9 October 2017 with William Houston, Sarah Greene, Ivan Kaye and others joining the company, a second cast change took place on 8 January 2018, featuring Rosalie Craig, Owen McDonnell, Laurie Kynaston, Saoirse-Monica Jackson Sean Delaney, Kevin Creedon, Francis Mezza, Terence Keeley, and Justin Edwards. The production closed on 19 May 2018.

Broadway (2018–2019)

The production transferred to the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on Broadway, beginning previews on 2 October 2018 with many members of the London cast. The play, which went on to win four Tony Awards, including Best Play, closed on 7 July 2019.

Cast and characters

Notable cast replacements

West End (2017–2018)

Broadway (2018–2019)

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