The Seafarer
After the phenomenal success of The History Boys, the National Theatre offers a powerful, funny and unsettling tale
NATIONAL THEATRE
THE SEAFARER
Written and directed by Conor McPherson
The Lowry, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester,
Tue 6 Sat 10 March 2007
Press Night: Tuesday 6 March, 8pm
Interviews are available with Conor McPherson.
Following the sell-out success of The History Boys and Two Thousand Years, the National Theatre return to The Lowry with the widely acclaimed black comedy, The Seafarer, between Tue 6 Sat 10 March.
As four, hopeless, ageing men celebrate Christmas Eve, laughter and song echoes round their ramshackle home. As the drink flows and a card game gets underway, the party is interrupted by a mysterious stranger and the festive spirit gives way to sinister suspense. Sharky (Karl Johnson) has a skeleton in his closet.
He has returned to Dublin to look after his irascible, ageing brother (Jim Norton) who has recently gone blind, starting the day as it ends with a whiskey or ten.
Old drinking buddies Ivan (Conleth Hill) and Nicky (Michael McElhatton) are holed up at the house too, hoping to clinch victory and their friends cash in a card game. The stakes are raised higher for Sharky as he is forced to confront his dark past with the arrival of Mr Lockhart (Ron Cook). In fact, tonight he could be playing for his very soul. Intertwining hilarious performances and dark, edgy drama, this life-affirming play is potent and powerful drama at its very best.
The Seafarer is the National Theatre debut for writer and director Conor McPherson. In 1999 his West End and Broadway hit The Weir won the Olivier Award for Best Play.
The National Theatre is a partner company of The Lowry, bringing the best in contemporary drama to the North West.
Tickets sold fast for Alan Bennetts The History Boys in November 2005 and the recent extended run in November 2006. Demand for seats to see Mike Leighs Two Thousand Years also left many disappointed theatre goers without tickets in February 2006, signifying the companys reputation for quality writing and excellent casting.
Audio described performance - Wed 7 March eve
Touch Tour at 6.30pm
Stagetext captioned performance - Sat 10 March, 3pm
Post show talk - Thu 8 March Free to ticket holders
The Seafarer
Tue 6 Sat 10 March
The Lowry, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester
Times: Eves 8pm, Wed mat 1.30pm, Sat mat 3pm Tickets: 12 - 22
Box office: 0870 787 5793
Posted on Tuesday, 20 February 2007 under Press Theatre Press