Conor McPherson to Debut Latest Play at London's National Theatre

Conor McPherson, whose play Shining City was nominated for a 2006 Tony Award, is set to make his National Theatre debut directing his new play The Seafarer, opening in the Cottesloe on September 28 following previews from September 20. The cast will include Conleth Hill best known in New York for starring in Stones in His Pockets on Broadway, Ron Cook, Karl Johnson and Jim Norton.

After its premiere at the National, the play will tour in 2007. It will play Brighton's Theatre Royal February 6-10, Bath's Theatre Royal February 13-17, Cambridge's Arts Theatre February 20-24, Coventry's Warwick Arts Centre February 27-March 3, Salford Quays' Lowry March 6-10 and Newcastle's Theatre Royal March 13-17.

Set in Dublin on Christmas Eve, The Seafarer centers on a man who returns there to look after his ageing brother, who has recently gone blind. Two old drinking buddies are at the house, too, but the stakes are suddenly driven higher by the arrival of a stranger from the distant past.

McPherson is currently represented on Broadway by Shining City. His other works include The Weir seen at the Royal Court and on Broadway, Port Authority, This Lime Tree Bower, St. Nicholas and Dublin Carol.