The Stakes Are High In The Seafarer

Following the sell-out success of The History Boys and Two Thousand Years, the National Theatre returns to The Lowry with the widely acclaimed black comedy, The Seafarer, from Tuesday 6th - Saturday 10th March.

As four, hopeless, ageing men celebrate Christmas Eve, laughter and song echoes round their ramshackle home. As the drink flows and a card game gets underway, the party is interrupted by a mysterious stranger and the festive spirit gives way to sinister suspense.

Sharky (Karl Johnson) has a skeleton in his closet. He has returned to Dublin to look after his irascible, ageing brother (Jim Norton) who has recently gone blind, starting the day as it ends with a whiskey or ten. Old drinking buddies Ivan (Conleth Hill) and Nicky (Michael McElhatton) are holed up at the house too, hoping to clinch victory and their friends’ cash in a card game. The stakes are raised higher for Sharky as he is forced to confront his dark past with the arrival of Mr Lockhart (Ron Cook). In fact, tonight he could be playing for his very soul.

Intertwining hilarious performances and dark, edgy drama, this life-affirming play is potent and powerful drama at its very best. The Seafarer is the National Theatre debut for writer and director Conor McPherson. In 1999 his West End and Broadway hit The Weir won the Olivier Award for Best Play.

The National Theatre is a partner company of The Lowry, bringing the best in contemporary drama to the North West. Tickets sold fast for Alan Bennett’s The History Boys in November 2005 and the recent extended run in November 2006. Demand for seats to see Mike Leigh’s Two Thousand Years also left many disappointed theatre goers without tickets in February 2006, signifying the company’s reputation for quality writing and excellent casting.

The Seafarer
Tuesday 6th – Sat 10th March
The Lowry, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester
Times: Evenings 8pm, Wednesday matinee 1.30pm, Saturday matinee 3pm
Tickets: £12 - £22
Box office: Thelowry.com