Nicola Coughlan shares health update after being struck down with bug during run of new play The Playboy Of The Western World opposite Derry Girls co-star Siobhán McSweeney

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I was so worried to hear that Nicola Coughlan’s been feeling unwell! She’s been working incredibly hard in her new play, ‘The Playboy of the Western World,’ and she recently shared that she’s been fighting off a bug throughout the run. I’m sending her all my best wishes for a speedy recovery – she’s a total pro and I’m sure she’s still giving an amazing performance even while under the weather.

Nicola Coughlan, known for her role in Bridgerton, is currently performing in a new production of a play originally staged in 1907 at The National Theatre. She’s acting alongside Siobhán McSweeney, who was her co-star in Derry Girls.

Nicola recently shared on Instagram that she’s been unwell and is still recovering.

She explained that, following medical advice, she wouldn’t be able to meet fans for autographs after the show. Her priority is staying healthy so she can continue performing.

She expressed her thanks for being involved in the show, writing, ‘Thank you to everyone who has seen The Playboy of the Western World – I’m having a wonderful time and feel so lucky we get to continue performing it until February.’

I’m so sorry, but I’ve been unwell with a bug for a few weeks and haven’t fully recovered. On my doctor’s advice, I won’t be able to sign autographs at the Stage Door after performances for the time being.

My main focus right now is getting healthy so I can finish the show’s run. I appreciate your understanding, and I hope you continue to enjoy watching as much as we enjoy performing!

Last month, “The Playboy of the Western World” premiered at the Lyttelton Theatre and will conclude its run on February 28th.

Nicola plays the role of Pegeen Mike in a three-act play by Irish playwright John Millington Synge. The play has been restaged by Caitríona McLaughlin, who leads the Abbey Theatre as its artistic director.

The show brings the actresses back together to work with each other again. Siobhán, age 45, will play Widow Quin, and they previously starred together in the popular and highly-rated sitcom Derry Girls, which ran from 2018 to 2022.

This popular comedy takes place in Northern Ireland in the mid-1990s, near the end of the Troubles. Nicola played Clare Devlin, a student, while Siobhán played Sister George Michael, the school’s headmistress.

Last year, Nicola voiced her excitement about reuniting with her pal for the new project.

She announced on Instagram in April that she was teaming up with an old friend for a new project: performing an Irish classic. She expressed her excitement about bringing the culture of the West of Ireland to the National Theatre.

Éanna Hardwicke plays the main character, Christy Mahon, and also appears as Nicola’s love interest in the production.

I’m so excited about the full cast! Alongside the leads, we have incredible actors like 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 all bringing their talent to the project. It’s a fantastic ensemble!

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 welcomed and quickly becomes part of everyday life, even winning people over. However, his 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).

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2026-01-06 21:51