Robert Sheehan, star of E4’s highly-acclaimed Misfits, will make his professional stage debut in an Old Vic revival of The Playboy Of The Western World this autumn.
The 23-year-old Irish actor will star opposite Ruth Negga and Niamh Cusack in JM Synge’s classic play.
Sheehan plays dreamer Christy Mahon, who takes refuge in a pub, claiming to have killed his oppressive father. His tales of bravery and danger immediately charm the locals, but when it becomes apparent that there is more to his stories than first thought, the mood of the community begins to change.
Sheehan received a BAFTA-nomination for his performance as Nathan Young in hit TV series Misfits, which follows a group of kids who develop super powers while doing community service. His other screen credits include the TV adaptation of David Peace’s Red Riding novels and U2-based comedy film Killing Bono.
Negga, who plays the landlord’s daughter, recently played Ophelia to Rory Kinnear’s Hamlet at the National theatre, where she also appeared opposite Helen Mirren in Phèdre.
The hugely experienced Cusack returns to the Old Vic, where she previously appeared in Dancing At Lughnasa and Cause Célèbre.
Sheehan, Negga and Cusack are directed by John Crowley, who has previously directed The Pillowman at the National Theatre, A Behanding In Spokane on Broadway and Tales From Hollywood and Juno And The Paycock at the Donmar Warehouse.
The Playboy Of The Western World follows the forthcoming production of Richard III, which stars Kevin Spacey as the Shakespearean monarch and is directed by Oscar-winner Sam Mendes.
MA