Steve Pemberton and Lily Allen to star in ‘The Pillowman’

See the West End premiere of Martin McDonagh's Olivier-winning play.

After postponements in 2020, Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman will premiere in the West End in 2023. The Pillowman is at the Duke of York’s Theatre from 10 June to 2 Sept. 2023.

The Pillowman follows the investigation into Katurian, a writer put under surveillance, after his fictional stories suspiciously match up with a series of murders. McDonagh's drama won Best New Play at the 2004 Olivier Awards, and later transferring to Broadway in 2005.

In a The Pillowman review for London Theatre, our critic said: "Martin McDonagh's new play provokes an ambivalent response. On the one hand his inventive imagination and ear for naturalistic dialogue is as sharp as ever, commanding both respect and attention but the sheer intensity of the horrors related will curdle all but the strongest of stomachs."

Steve Pemberton will play Tupolski, continuing in the role he was slated in for 2020 performances. He's best known for The League of Gentlemen alongside Reece Shearsmith.

Lily Allen will play Katurian. Allen made her West End debut in the original cast of 2:22 - A Ghost Story.

Martin McDonagh returns to the West End with The Pillowman, following The Lieutenant of Inishmore at the Noel Coward Theatre. Matthew Dunster directs The Pillowman, and the show features set and costume design by Anna Fleischle, and sound design by Ian Dickinson.

The Pillowman is at the Duke of York’s Theatre.

Photo credit: The Pillowman (Photo courtesy of production)