The Playboy of the Western World

Summary

Granada production for ITV of The Playboy of the Western World by J. M. Synge.

Theatre play

The Playboy of the Western World by J. M. Synge (1871-1909) [more information]

Play synopsis

'It is set in Michael James Flaherty’s public house in County Mayo (on the west coast of Ireland) during the early 1900s. It tells the story of Christy Mahon, a young man running away from his farm, claiming he killed his father. The locals are more interested in vicariously enjoying his story than in condemning the immorality of his murderous deed. He captures the romantic attention of the barmaid Pegeen Mike, the daughter of Flaherty.' Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Playboy_of_the_Western_World.

Production history

First performed at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, on 26 January 1907.

Date of transmission

Wednesday 26 November 1958

Time

8.30-10.00pm

Series

Play of the Week

Channel

ITV

Production company

Granada Television (1956-)

Credits

Director

Cliff Owen

Playwright

J. M. Synge (1871-1909)

Designer

Tom Spaulding

Cast

Kate Binchery	Honor Blake
Donal Donnelly	Chrsity Mahon
Mary Duddy	Sarah Tansey
Brenda MacGuine	Susan Brady
Anna Manahan	Widow Quin
Patrick McAlinney	Jimmy Farrell
Joan O’Hara	Pegeen Flaherty
Brian O’Higgins	Old Mahon
Tony Quinn	Philly Cullen
Joseph Tomelty	Michael James Flaherty
Harry Towb	Shawn Keogh
Rhona Woodcock	Nelly

Additional details

Extant status

No archival copy is known to exist.

Play tags

Edwardian drama; Irish drama; murder; Republic of Ireland, as theme or setting

Print sources

Title

Plays for the Millions: The First 75. A Cross Index of Granada TV Play Productions (Book)

Reference

Published by Granada TV Network, 1960

Title

TV Times, 21 November 1958 (Magazine)

Linking notes

article and listing on pp. 12 and 21