Woody Harrelson, Andy Serkis, and Derry Girls star Louisa Harland have signed on to star in Ulster American, a new stage production from Irish playwright David Ireland (Cyprus Avenue) and directed by Jeremy Herrin (A Mirror, Best of Enemies).
Ulster American will run at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, with previews from December 4 and opening night on December 13.
The social satire follows three characters, an Oscar-winning American actor, an English director, and a Northern Irish playwright, who are about to begin rehearsals for a new play — one that could transform each of their careers. But when it turns out that they’re not on the same page, the night threatens to spiral out of control. Synopsis 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.
Harrelson returns to the London stage for the first time in almost two decades to play Oscar-winning American actor Jay Conway. Serkis stars as English director Leigh Carver, and Harland is the Northern Irish playwright Ruth Davenport.
The play will feature set and costume design by Max Jones, lighting design by Oliver Fenwick, sound design by Emma Laxton, and casting by Jessica Ronane CDG, with Nicky Allpress as Associate Director.
“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,” Herrin said.
“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.”
Ulster American debuted in 2018 at the Traverse Theatre. It was the recipient of the Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Award and the Scotsman Fringe First Award.