The Ferryman Tickets

The Ferryman is a critically acclaimed play that takes place in Northern Ireland in 1981. This time period, also known as “The Troubles,” was a rather tumultuous one in Irish history. A big issue was the constitutional status of Northern Ireland. Loyalists wanted Northern Ireland to remain within the United Kingdom while Irish nationalists wanted to leave the UK. From hunger strikes and “dirty protests” to bloody battles and more, this was no easy time to live in Northern Ireland.

The Ferryman is a play centered around a farmhouse family of a former Irish Republican Army activist. The Carney farmhouse is abuzz with preparations for their annual harvest when an unexpected visitor changes the course of the show. The play begins with a body that has been found -- the body of someone who had been missing since New Year’s Day 1972. From there, the play’s variety of characters reveal their own troubles and conflicts.

While the show is set during a conflict that took place many years ago, the play’s themes are still extremely relevant today. From the United States’ storied Confederate history to the recent terrorist attacks in Europe, the audience gets a better idea of how folks can get pulled into the most extreme causes, no matter the consequences. You don’t have to know anything about the history of Ireland or “The Troubles” to enjoy this show. From conflict and revenge to love, loss, and the strong desire for independence, The Ferryman leaves no stone unturned.

The show opened with a cast including Dean Ashton, Paddy Considine, Charles Dale, Laura Donnelly, and a host of other talented actors. In fact, the Carney clan is made up of seven children and each young actor is as gripping as the next. Each actor in this play brings his or her character’s unique personality to life in a way that leaves the audience wanting more.

Directed by Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Sam Mendes, it is no surprise this play has taken home so many awards. The Ferryman earned three 2018 Olivier Awards, including the awards for Best New Play and Best Director. Additionally, the show won the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Play and Best Director. It was also named the Best New Play at the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards. The Ferryman did so well that its show dates were extended several times.

The Ferryman Show Dates

The Ferryman began previews at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre in New York in early October 2018, with an official opening on October 21, 2018. The official end-date for this show is July 7, 2019, though there is always a chance that could be shortened or extended. The Ferryman originally played the Royal Court Theatre in London in 2017. At the time, it was the fastest-selling play in Royal Court Theatre history.

The Ferryman Runtime

The Ferryman is approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, with one 15-minute intermission following Act 1 and a brief 3-minute pause following Act 2. The show is recommended for those ages 10 and older. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.