Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
If you are looking for a hilarious and provocative night out at the theatre, you won’t want to miss Ulster American, the critically acclaimed play by David Ireland that is coming to London’s Riverside Studios this December. The play, which won the Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Award and the Scotsman Fringe First Award in 2018, is a black comedy that explores the clash of cultures, egos and politics in the world of theatre.
The play follows the rehearsals of a new play by a Northern Irish playwright, Ruth Davenport, who has written a controversial drama about the Troubles. She is thrilled to have an Oscar-winning American actor, Jay Conway, and a renowned English director, Lee Carver, on board for her project. However, things start to go wrong when the three of them meet and realize that they have very different opinions and agendas about the play, the history and the identity of Northern Ireland.
The play stars three brilliant actors who bring their own charisma and talent to the stage. Woody Harrelson, who returns to the London stage after almost two decades, plays Jay Conway, the arrogant and ignorant American star who thinks he can do no wrong. Harrelson, who is best known for his roles in films such as Natural Born Killers, The Hunger Games and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, delivers a hilarious and outrageous performance that will make you laugh and cringe at the same time.
Andy Serkis, who plays Lee Carver, the pompous and pretentious English director who thinks he knows everything, is also a delight to watch. Serkis, who is famous for his iconic portrayal of Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and Caesar in Planet of the Apes, shows his versatility and range as an actor, switching from comedy to drama with ease.
Louise Harland, who plays Ruth Davenport, the naive and idealistic Northern Irish playwright who thinks she can change the world, is the perfect foil for the two men. Harland, who is best known for her role as Orla McCool in the hit comedy series Derry Girls, brings a touch of innocence and sincerity to the play, as well as a sharp wit and a strong accent.
Ulster American is a play that will make you laugh, gasp and think. It is a satire that exposes the absurdity and hypocrisy of the theatre industry, as well as the complexity and sensitivity of the Northern Irish conflict. It is also a play that celebrates the power and beauty of theatre, as a form of art that can challenge, inspire and connect people. Ulster American will run at the Riverside Studios from December 4 to January 27. The duration of the performance is 90 minutes (without intermission). Tickets are available on London Theatre. Photos from rehearsals by Johan Persson.
