Tayyaba
Some exciting news for fans of stage plays has just been announced! Woody Harrelson, Andy Serkis, and Derry Girls star Louisa Harland have signed on to join the cast of Ulster American, a new stage production from Irish playwright David Ireland, who is best known for Cyprus Avenue. What’s more, the play is to be directed by Jeremy Herrin of A Mirror and Best of Enemies.
What is ‘Ulster American’ about?
The stage production Ulster American is a social satire that follows the story of three individuals—a legendary American actor, an English director, and a Northern Irish playwright—as they prepare to work together on a play. But as it becomes clear that they aren’t on the same page, the night threatens to get out of hand. The official synopsis for the play reads: “Power dynamics, cultural identity, and the perils of being a woman in the entertainment industry; nothing is off limits in this pitch-black comedy.”
Ulster American made its Traverse Theatre debut in 2018. It won the Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Award as well as the Scotsman Fringe First Award. Now, the play will be presented at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, beginning with previews on December 4 and is set to conclude on December 13.
“I’m delighted that this rollercoaster of a play has summoned such a stellar roster of talent to join us for this pitch-black comedy at the beautifully refurbished Riverside Studios. I’ve always admired David Ireland’s fearlessness and the way he manages to skewer pretension in its many guises. It’s an honor to bring the legend Woody Harrelson to London, to welcome Andy Serkis back to the stage after so much success in the movies, and to enjoy the brilliant Louisa Harland going toe-to-toe with them both.”
Jeremy Herrin
‘Ulster American’: Meet the cast and the team
For the first time in nearly two decades, Harrelson is returning to the London stage to take on the role of Oscar-winning American actor Jay Conway. Serkis will be playing English director Leigh Carver, while Harland is set to portray Northern Irish playwright Ruth Davenport. Max Jones will be designing the set and costumes, Oliver Fenwick will be charge of the lighting, Emma Laxton will design the sound, with Jessica Ronane CDG as a casting director and Nicky Allpress serving as Associate Director.