Gaiety Production’s award-winning play The Ferryman extends its Irish run due to heightened demand.

Written by Jez Butterworth, the play will run from January 27 to March 15 at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin. While initially planned for six-weeks, an additional week was added. The production features actors such as Aaron McCusker, Alex Murphy and Andrew McClay.

Taking place in Northern Ireland, the true story of actress Laura Donnelly’s uncle inspired this drama. Donnelly played the original leading role of Sarah Kay on Broadway and the West End.

“It just makes me all the more proud of the show because, you know, I get to tell a story that my mother has essentially lived through, and it just gives it that level of extra importance for me,” said Donnelly. “It’s been such an incredible experience and such a huge part of my life professionally and personally.”

Seven months before she was born, Donnelly’s uncle Eugene disappeared near the border in County Down. Three years later his body was discovered, and so too were the political implications surrounding his death.

“You never choose your ideas. You get caught up in them,” said Butterworth. “It was only when it became an obsession, when I couldn’t breathe without writing it, that I had to do it.”

The Ferryman won Best Play at the Tony Awards in 2019, in addition to Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design and Best Direction from Sam Mendes. In total, the production was nominated for nine categories. One year prior, the drama also won three Olivier Awards with Best New Play, Best Director and Best Actress for Donnelly.

Tickets are on sale now starting at €21.50. Visit gaietytheatre.ie to learn more.