The Ferryman
The Ferryman
Starring Rosalie Craig, Owen McDonnell and Justin Edwards.
Jez Butterworth’s record-breaking play The Ferryman must end on 19 May 2018 at the Gielgud Theatre. Directed by Sam Mendes, the play premiered at the Royal Court becoming the fastest-selling show in the theatre’s history, receiving unanimous critical acclaim.
Northern Ireland, 1981. The Carney family prepare for the annual harvest with a day of hard work on the land and a traditional night of feasting and celebration ahead. But this year they will be interrupted by a visitor.
Don’t miss your chance to visit the Carney Farmhouse. Book your tickets now.
- Cast
Starring Rosalie Craig as Caitlin Carney, Owen McDonnell as Quinn Carney, and Justin Edwards as Tom Kettle.
They are joined by Stella McCusker as Aunt Maggie Far Away, Siân Thomas as Aunt Pat, Declan Conlon as Muldoon, Dean Ashton as Frank Magennis, Terence Keeley as Diarmaid Corcoran, Sean Delaney as Michael Carney, Francis Mezza as Shane Corcoran, Kevin Creedon as JJ Carney, Laurie Kynaston as Oisin Carney and Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Shena Carney.
Catherine McCormack continues in her role as Mary Carney, and Charles Dale as Father Horrigan, Mark Lambert as Uncle Pat and Glenn Speers as Lawrence Malone.
The full company comprises 37 performers: 17 main adults, 7 covers, 12 children on rota and 1 baby.- Duration
The Play is 3 hours long and has 2 short intervals.
- Good To Know
Age Guidance 14+ Contains strong language
Additional Details & FAQ
- Cancellation Policy
No exchanges or refunds after purchase.
- How Does It Work
You will receive a confirmation email
If you have chosen collect at box office please print the confirmation and bring it on the day, a minimum of 30 minutes before the performance start time. You will also need to present the card used to purchase the tickets as valid ID.
If you have chosen to receive tickets by post, the tickets will be dispatched approximately 2-3 days after purchase.
- Suitable For Children
Age Guidance 14+ Contains strong language.
- Where Do I Go
Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, London W1D 6AR
Critic Reviews
Financial Times
Oct 9, 2017
THE 22-STRONG ENSEMBLE RESPOND WITH A TAPESTRY OF BEAUTIFUL DETAILED PERFORMANCES'
The Guardian
Oct 9, 2017
THE HOTTEST OF HOT TICKETS. THE LATEST FROM JEZ BUTERWORTH ARRIVES IN THE WEST END'
Metro
Oct 9, 2017
EASILY THE BEST NEW PLAY OF THE YEAR'
Evening Standard
Oct 9, 2017
A SHATTERING FEAST OF INTRICATE STORYTELLING'
Sunday Express
Oct 9, 2017
AN EXQUISITELY DETAILED PRODUCTION'
The Observer
Oct 9, 2017
MAGIC RUNS THROUGH BUTTERWORTH’S BRILLIANT NEW PLAY'
Reviews
Eugenia
Jun 4, 2018
The show was very long (over 3 hours) and the subject not the lightest, but the overall atmosphere was amazing. Very touching, moving, and intimate. The actors were amazing, the plot kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and the scenery was stunning. A beautiful play.
Linda Maguire
May 20, 2018
We were sitting in the grand tier & struggled to hear everything which slightly spoiled what was otherwise an excellent & very powerful play.
NT
May 20, 2018
Acting was great, and the subject so true to the past and revealing of what happens all the time.
Lynneberyl
May 18, 2018
Excellent piece that explored relationships within an extended family that also gave an insight into a specific time period in recent history.
Pat Mcgowan
May 18, 2018
Excellent play enjoyed very much , great cast
Derek
May 18, 2018
Compelling , provoking, funny, . How often can three hours pass so rapidly and leave you feeling quite so engaged with a story. A play that explores Ireland, the Irish, the politics of the IRA, the complexities of human emotion. The contradictions and ultimately the pain, joy and chaos of the lives of the protagonists.
Derek
May 18, 2018
Compelling , provoking, funny, . How often can three hours pass so rapidly and leave you feeling quite so engaged with a story. A play that explores Ireland, the Irish, the politics of the IRA, the complexities of human emotion. The contradictions and ultimately the pain, joy and chaos of the lives of the protagonists.
Andrew Beeson
May 17, 2018
Gripping and a wonderful production with many subplots . important to be prepared for the Irish accent !
CazB
May 17, 2018
This is he 2nd time I’ve seen it. I was so mesmerised by it the first time I needed to go back to understand it completely. It didn’t disappoint. It was as good there 2nd tone as the first. The first time I was so busy trying to work out who was related to whom that I missed parts of the story. Wonderful acting, the child actors were engaging and very talented. A fabulous cast and crew. Bravo!
Amber
May 17, 2018
The show was absolutely brilliant! Would definately recommend to anyone wanting to go and watch a show, the storyline kept you hooked throughout. Fantastic.
Mary
May 17, 2018
The Ferryman was recommended by a number of friends as an excellent production. It was spell binding. The quality of acting was truly excellent. Outstanding performances by all the actors, there were no hangers on. There was an amazing atmosphere in the Theatre. Standing ovation. Would definitely see it again.
O Bird
May 17, 2018
We really loved the play. Brilliant development of the plot. Excellent cast . Lovely set.
Jane
May 16, 2018
Great play. Only 'problem' was the sound/voices didn't always carry well and I had difficulty hearing quite a lot of dialogue especially if the character was speaking directly to another character ie not facing the audience. Other than that - loved it
John Sweet
May 15, 2018
This was a powerful piece of work strong on narrative, grappling with a demanding subject. At nearly three hours long I was relived when it was over.
Jenifer Rohde
May 15, 2018
Just an extraordinary play. Fantastic cast including the children. Deep, moving, funny at times, shocking and complex. A wonderfully satisfying evening. Please God that Brexit does not complicate matters in Ireland in the future. Thank you to the cast and everyone who made it so deeply moving. Get a ticket if you still have time!
Dulcie Rowe
May 15, 2018
I found it difficult to understand their accents in places - some of the actors were louder and clearer than others. Lots of concentration was required to keep up with the story. We sat at the back of the stalls and had to endure several groups of people arriving late which was extremely disruptive (why on earth is this allowed?! It never used to be!). There were people standing behind us and as people passed they tripped over their bags. Strange 3 minute second interval where people were told not to leave their seats as a set change only - but there wasn't a set change, they just lit candles. Also very disruptive as lots of men needed to go to the loo - as such a long play. The real live 6 month baby was unnecessary and actually cruel! Is this allowed? I
Judith Howe
May 15, 2018
Stunning naturalistic performances and so much energy. Great set and atmosphere. Loved it! The 3hrs went by very quickly as I was captivated!
Imogen R Cotterill
May 13, 2018
Best show I have seen at the theatre !
Deacon-rogers
May 13, 2018
My husband and myself thoroughly enjoyed the Ferryman!! We would definitely recommend it!!
Helen Aveyard
May 13, 2018
This play had been recommended to us but we found it quite confusing to follow- not helped that 2 of the characters had the same name ( I think) and there were lots of sub plots - there was so much going on and it was not clear which would be followed up in the play and which were not central to understanding the play. I think seats in the upper circle didn’t help as sometimes the voices didn’t carry well making it harder to understand.
Liz O
May 13, 2018
Absolutely fascinating and gripping story, superb performance from a talented cast, this show deserves an extended run or tour
Sophie
May 13, 2018
Best production I’ve ever seen. Gripping, tense and beautifully acted.
London reviewer
May 12, 2018
So glad stopped wavering about going to see the ferryman and went .very well staged, written, acted. Enjoyed it immensely.
Cathy
May 12, 2018
I thought the play was marvellous in very way.
Jim Bostel
May 10, 2018
Very atmospheric, very powerful. We were on the edge of our seats.
paddy quinlan
May 10, 2018
very enjoyable
Hazel
May 10, 2018
Brilliant captivating sad humourous haunting realistic great array of characters and acting esp the animals and the most gorgeous baby
Duncan Haigh
May 10, 2018
I have seen the play three times due the the fact it is closing soon, but also because it is an excellent ensemble piece that is enthralling from beginning to end.
Jenny Clark
May 10, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed it!!!! The accents left a lot to be desired. I only wish I'd gone sooner to see it as I most definitely would like to see it again. Well done to all.
Patricia Leggettet
May 9, 2018
As good as we had hoped, in fact excellent in every way, superb casting.
theresa
May 8, 2018
A group of 4 friends went to see the production on Friday evening. Thoroughly enjoyed the drama which kept us gripped throughout despite the play running for 3 hours. We had upper stalls seats at the front and limited leg room was manageable but maybe not for everyone. Amazing actors who immersed themselves in their roles. Some difficulty in catching all the dialogue but mainly the actors voices carried well. Would definitely recommend.
Sandy
May 8, 2018
With all the hype around this play I chose expensive seats and expected excellence. The night was however a real disappointment, on many levels. Too long, too many actors with no specific contribution to the story line, and with poor voice projection at times, especially the children. We sat in back row of the stalls, and found it a real effort to catch the words said. The story line itself was the major let down, it didn't have anything new to convey , a 2018 take on the 1980's in N Ireland, it came across as a poor copy of the original Irish classics, I felt it had no soul. As an Irish catholic who spent my childhood in Belfast I felt let down by the stereotypical characterisation. Indeed using Tom Kettle's neuroatypical chatacter as a vehicle for plot and comedy was lazy and inaccurate, perpetuating the myth that those with mental health conditions are prone to 'wringing necks'. As to the more modern inclusion of singing and dancing, again it was no match to Girl from the North Country. A production that has lost its way.
Helen
May 8, 2018
Quite a journey, from moments of "I'm not quite sure this works" to "wow, this is amazing theatre". So pleased that I saw this very good production. It was difficult to understand what the children were saying, perhaps a combination of a not-very-good seat in the Grand Circle and having to concentrate on soft voices with Irish accents. At times I felt there were just too many characters on stage, and I wanted a deeper understanding of fewer characters. It was a very long play, 3 hours 20 minutes from start to departing the theatre. But the weaving together of the different plots to deliver a climatic final scene was superb theatre. Bravo.
Helen
May 8, 2018
Quite a journey, from moments of "I'm not quite sure this works" to "wow, this is amazing theatre". So pleased that I saw this very good production. It was difficult to understand what the children were saying, perhaps a combination of a not-very-good seat in the Grand Circle and having to concentrate on soft voices with Irish accents. At times I felt there were just too many characters on stage, and I wanted a deeper understanding of fewer characters. It was a very long play, 3 hours 20 minutes from start to departing the theatre. But the weaving together of the different plots to deliver a climatic final scene was superb theatre. Bravo.
Vic
May 8, 2018
Never seen play such so delicate theme but they all portrayed it so beautifully. It was a full intense drama all actors are fantastic.
Jessie
May 7, 2018
Fantastic brought back memories what it was like in N Ireland
Sheila thompson
May 6, 2018
We had seats in the grand circle and unfortunately we could not hear a lot of the cast, nor understand the quite strong Irish accent. We missed such a lot in particular the children so we were disappointed.
Julie Gibb
May 6, 2018
Outstanding - although 3 hours and more ... epic entertainment - could sit through it all again. Every actor sings from the same song sheet - what a superb casting
Johnnie Scanlon
May 6, 2018
I am a regular theatre and my family and I agree that this was the best play we have ever seen bar none.
Mary K
May 6, 2018
What a brilliant play! We came away feeling as if we were part of the scene as it unfolded!. Some of our group were in tears by the end of the play as the acting was so powerful creating very strong emotions, fear, love, sympathy and an understanding of How politics can affect families and communities as a whole. The little boy Declan had a superb Irish accent and so good in his role. Would go again and highly recommend it!
Su Emery
May 6, 2018
Started well but second half went on dat too ling and started to fall asleep . Not my cup of tea faikedcti see why this was rated as a 5 star play Sorry !
Ava B House of Film
May 6, 2018
Five stars in every aspect: superb performances, brilliant writing and directing. An evening to remember forever
Anonymous
May 6, 2018
Unfortunately the actors didn’t enunciate enough to understand what they were saying at all, especially with their accents. Left at the first intermission! Bummer
PDB
May 5, 2018
Even was before the play actually started the sound track and then a presence on stage intrigued and drew on into the atmosphere of the time. The audience was in a state of anticipation before the first words were spoken. All performances were of a consistently high standard Despite the clearly structured building of tension in the final scenes the denouement wasn't spoilt and the final actions delivered the intended 'shock'. We left in silence and didn't start discussing the play for several minutes while we reflected individually on what we had experienced.
Sheila
May 3, 2018
Excellent thought provoking acting at is best on the edge of my seat
Sheila
May 3, 2018
Excellent thought provoking acting at is best on the edge of my seat
Debi
May 1, 2018
Fantastic show - Beautifully acted .... emotive ... funny, sad, alarming at times . Kept me on edge of seat .
CWJ
May 1, 2018
Excellent performance by all of the cast, very powerful and very clever. I especially loved the scene with the young male cousins, absolutely superb!
AQ
Apr 30, 2018
Great cast staging etc. An authenic insight into the 'troubled' times in Ireland's history running alongside a family's struggle to cope with it and all in it's wake.
Sheridan
Apr 29, 2018
Fantastic play, funny, emotional and throughly enjoyed. ☘️