Playboy of the Western World at Old Vic 17 Sep

Misfits star Robert Sheehan cast in The Playboy of the Western World, by J M Synge, directed by John Crowley, which opens at the Old Vic Theatre, 27 Sep 2011, following previews from 17 Sep - running to 26 Nov 2011.

Robert Sheehan plays Christy Mahon. Best known for his role as Nathan in E4 television series Misfits, for which he won BAFTA nomination, Robert will be making his professional stage debut in The Playboy of the Western World. His other TV credits include RTE's Love/Hate and Red Riding Trilogy. Film work includes this year's comedy Killing Bono with Ben Barnes and Season of the Witch with Nicholas Cage.

He is joined by Ruth Negga playing Pegeen Mike. Her theatre credits include Ophelia in Hamlet and Aricia in Phèdre, both directed by Nicholas Hytner at the National Theatre.

The cast also includes Niamh Cusack playing Widow Quinn. Her London theatre credits include Cause Celebre (The Old Vic), Women, Power and Politics (Tricycle), Andersen's English (Hampstead Theatre and UK tour), Dancing at Lughnasa at The Old Vic, The Enchantment and Nicholas Hytner's His Dark both at The National Theatre. Her television credits include ITV's Fallen Angel, The Last Detective and the popular drama series Heartbeat.

Further cast to be announced.

Set in a small village on the west coast of County Mayo, The Playboy of the Western World tells the story of lonely dreamer Christy Mahon who takes refuge in Michael Flaherty's pub, claiming that he has killed his oppressive father. Christy beguiles the locals with his tall and dramatic tale of bravery in the face of danger and becomes an instant hero. He both charms the village women including Widow Quinn and captures the heart of the landlord's fiery daughter Pegeen . However, when his tale turns out to be less straightforward than they first thought, the simmering violence of the villagers comes to light.