Derry Girls Star To Appear Alongside Woody Harrelson On London Stage

Derry Girls star Louisa Harland is to appear alongside actors Woody Harrelson and Andy Serkis in an upcoming dark comedy on the London stage.

'Ulster American', written by David Ireland, will see Harland portray the role of a Northern Irish playwright called Ruth Davenport. 

Described as a "pitch-black comedy", 'Ulster American' will follow three characters Ruth Davenport (Louisa Harland), Oscar winning actor Jay Conway (Woody Harrelson) & Leigh Francis (Andy Serkis), as they rehearse a new play which could potentially transform their careers.

However, it appears that the trio are not quite working from the same page, as "the night threatens to spiral out of control".

"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", director Jeremy Herrin said. "I’ve always admired David Ireland’s fearlessness and the way he manages to skewer pretension in its many guises". 

He added, "It’s an honour to bring the legend that is 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". 

"It’ll be a thrilling evening and I can’t wait to see our audience’s reaction to this explosive show". 

'Ulster American' had first premiered at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh in 2018, before scooping up the Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Award and The Scotsman Fringe First Award.

This show will mark Woody Harrelson's return to the London stage for the first time in almost two decades, which saw him star in the West End in Tennessee Williams' The Night Of The Iguana at the Lyric Theatre in 2005. 

It is also not the first time that Harrelson and Louisa Harland have worked together, after Harland starred in Harrelson's feature film 'Lost In London' in 2017. Many fans will also know Harland for her role as Orla McCool on Channel Four comedy Derry Girls. 

Taking place at London's Riverside Studios, 'Ulster American' will have a preview set for December 4, followed by the opening night on December 13. The play will run until 28 January.

It was also confirmed that 200 free tickets will be provided for for West London NHS staff, via Second Half Productions' partnership with Tickets For Good. 

Tickets go on sale from 12 October at 10am, with priority booking open on 10 October.