First look: Derry Girls stars Nicola Coughlan and Siobhán McSweeney reunite in The Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre

by

The National Theatre has shared a preview of Nicola Coughlan and Siobhán McSweeney performing together in their upcoming production of The Playboy of the Western World, before the official opening night on Thursday.

Nicola, 38, and Siobhán, 45, previously appeared together in the popular and highly praised sitcom Derry Girls, which ended in 2022. Nicola played Clare Devlin, while Siobhán played Sister Michael.

The popular pair have reunited and are rehearsing for their play with fellow actor Éanna Hardwicke before the official opening night.

I was absolutely captivated by Nicola’s outfit at the event! She plays Pegeen Mike and really embodied the character with this stunning vintage-inspired dress. It was a gorgeous shade of green, with a beautifully fitted, corseted waist. The three-quarter sleeves and especially that full, ruffled skirt were just perfect, and I loved the subtle brown details – it all came together so well!

A new photo shows the Bridgerton star and Éanna, playing Christy Mahon, sharing a charged moment during a performance, with the actress pulling him close.

Another emotional shot shows Nicola collapsed on the ground in tears, with cast members watching on in the background. 

She changed into another outfit: a brown, puffy skirt, a light green corset, and a thick, knitted cardigan. She then stared out into the distance with a serious expression.

Siobhán also put on a powerful display, wearing a black leather corset dress for her scenes. 

I’m always drawn to photos that tell a story, and these are no exception. One shot features her lounging gracefully on a wooden bench, head held high with a confident tilt of her chin. The other is even more captivating – it’s a mid-performance moment, a really dramatic pose captured while she’s seated. It really conveys emotion!

John Millington Synge’s three-act play, The Playboy of the Western World, premiered at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in 1907.

This revival is directed by Caitríona McLaughlin, artistic director of the Abbey Theatre. 

The show features a talented cast including Marty Breen, Declan Conlon, Lorcan Cranitch, Megan Cusack, Naoise Dunbar, Matthew Forest, Sallay Garnett, Fionnuala Gygax, Erin Hennessey, Marty Rea, Susan Akintomide, Peter Mooney, and Donncha O’Dea.

Pegeen Flaherty’s ordinary life is disrupted when a young man unexpectedly enters her pub and confesses to murdering his father.

Christy Mahon, a man who committed murder, surprisingly becomes celebrated as a hero in his community. He’s embraced by the villagers and quickly becomes part of their daily lives. However, this newfound acceptance is threatened when another man unexpectedly appears.

The production’s creative team features Katie Davenport (set and costume design), James Farncomb (lighting), Adrienne Quartly (sound), Anna Mullarkey (composition), and Alastair Coomer and Naomi Downham (casting).

This production will be playing at the Lyttelton Theatre until February 28, 2026. The first performance for critics is scheduled for December 11th at 7 p.m.

These initial photos were released after Nicola previously expressed her enthusiasm about working with her former Derry Girls colleague on this new project.

In April, Nicola announced on Instagram that she was reconnecting with an old friend to embark on a new journey – experiencing a traditional Irish activity.

‘So excited to be bringing the Wesht of Ireland to the @nationaltheatre.’

Siobhán happily announced the news herself on social media, writing, ‘So thrilled to finally share this! I feel like the luckiest person ever.’

‘Thank you @nationaltheatre for allowing me back.’  

Read More

2025-12-11 21:49