Aaron Monaghan directs 'Playboy' for Livin' Dred

Dates in Drogheda and Virginia in early 2025

Livin’ Dred Theatre presents a riotous new production of JM Synge’s masterpiece The Playboy of the Western World, in a staging that crackles with wit, heroism, humour, and a touch of the absurd, with tour dates in January and February including Ramor Theatre in Virginia, and Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda.

Award-winning Aaron Monaghan directs a cast of some of Irelands best-loved actors, in a wild, insightful new production, teeming with Synge’s rich lyrical language, biting satire and sensational characters. Monaghan molds this comic tour-de-force into something new for this 2025 production and it is this tragic love story in ‘The Playboy’ that remains as outrageous, beloved and shocking today as it was when it first ignited riots over a century ago. A sheer stage delight and lyrical exploration of the power of storytelling and the dangerous allure of fame, in small rural village where strict morality and simmering, raw desires collide.

This new production, with a big stellar cast of eleven includes veteran stage and screen actor Gerard Byrne, Colin Campbell, Amelia Crowley, Naoise Dunbar, Ciara Ivie, Garrett Lombard, Éilish McLaughlin, Meadhbh Maxwell, Sean T O’Meallaigh, John Olohan from Kells,; and emerging actor Caitríona Williams.

Together they bring this favourite of JM Synge’s works to life where the shy, poetic Christy Mahon who stumbles into a rural tavern claiming to have killed his father, and where he sets off a frenzy of fascination that turns the Irish countryside upside down - transforming him into an unlikely hero - and capturing the affections of the feisty and beguiling Pegeen Mike. But as the young lovers dangerously flirt with an unexpected romance, the emergence of a mysterious figure suddenly casts Christy’s bold and ever-growing story into wicked doubt, until the lines between notorious truth and outrageous fantasy become hilariously blurred.

Director Monaghan is joined by Naomi Faughnan on design; Suzie Cummins on lighting, Martha Knight on sound, and costume assistant, Helen Foy.

Aaron Monaghan is a director and actor from Cavan and artistic director of Livin’ Dred Theatre. His film directing credits include Departure, and Ghost Light (which won awards at Fastnet Film Festival and Offshore Film Festival). His stage directing credits include the highly-acclaimed tours of Trad by Mark Doherty, the award-winning Charlie’s A Clepto, and Minefield by Clare Monnelly, Walking The Road by Dermot Bolger, From All Sides and Slice The Thief by Lee Coffey. Most recently he directed Tarry Flynn and Danti-Dan for Livin’ Dred, and Cavalcaders for Druid Theatre Company.

As an actor he has spent most of his career with The Abbey Theatre and Druid Theatre Co, amongst others, toured extensively, nationally and internationally, playing leading parts in many of their acclaimed productions such as The Playboy of The Western World, The Cripple Of Inishmaan and Richard III, for which he received considerable critical-acclaim. His extensive film and career includes renowned productions such as Oscar-nominated The Banshees Of Inisherrin, Assassins Creed, The Foreigner, Maze, ’71, Pan, Hidden Assets, Love/Hate, Clean Break, Vikings and The Tudors, as well as leading roles in films such as LSD:73 and Redemption Of A Rogue.

Amongst numerous nominations, he is the recipient of The Lucille Lortel Award, The Irish Times Theatre Award, The Manchester Evening News Award and most notably The OBIE for Outstanding Performance.

Founded in 2004 by Padraic McIntyre, Mary Hanley and Aaron Monaghan, Livin' Dred is a north-midlands based professional theatre company, that aims to bring quality new and existing theatre to the North Midlands Region and beyond. With numerous Irish Times Theatre Award nominations – Trad, Tarry Flynn, The Beauty Queen of Lenane, Belfry, Conversations on a Homecoming, The Dead School and Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme - Livin' Dred is recognised as one of the most exciting theatre companies which has emerged in this country in the last decade. They have a passionate and bold commitment and vision to deliver and present excellent theatre, old and new, that speaks to today’s audiences, to challenge and provides them with powerful theatrical experiences, locally, nationally and internationally.

First performed in 1907, this darkly comic play’s sharp wit, lyrical dialogue, and exploration of themes such as identity, rebellion, and the allure of storytelling have cemented its status as a masterpiece of modern drama. Its initial reception at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre (1907) was controversial, sparking heated riots over its perceived affront to Irish values. However the play is now lauded worldwide for its rich characterization and critique of societal norms. Its universal exploration of human nature and the power of myth has ensured its enduring appeal for over a century.

Tour Dates

Ramor Arts Centre, Virginia, Co Cavan

Previews: Wednesday 29th January, 8pm / €20-€22.

Opens: Thursday 30th, Friday 31st January, 8pm / €20-€22.

Ramor Box Office - 049 8547074 www.ramortheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873667044.

Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire Tuesday 4th, Wednesday 5th February, 8pm / €25-€27

www.paviliontheatre.ie/events/view/playboy

Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda

Friday 7th, Saturday 8th February @ 8pm / €20-22

Droichead Box Office – 041 983 394; www.droichead.com/show-detail/?id=873651048

Backstage Theatre, Longford

Tuesday 11th, Wednesday 12thFRbrusry, 8pm / €20-€22

Backstage Box Office 043 334 7888 www.backstage.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173657642

Mick Lally Theatre, Galway

Friday 14th, Saturday 15th February, pm / €20-€22

Mick Lally Box Office – 091 568 660; www.druid.ie/the-mick-lally-theatre/whats-on/the-playboy-of-the-western-world