Lincoln Theater is pleased to bring National Theatre Live’s production of “The Playboy of the Western World” to the big screen, Thursday, June 25 and Friday, June 26. Filmed live on stage in London, this darkly comic tale explores youth, identity, and the stories people tell about themselves, with this production bringing fresh energy and spectacle to acclaimed Irish playwright John Millington Synge’s enduring classic.

The story follows Pegeen Mike (aka: Margaret Flaherty) the fierce, sharp-tongued, and romantic barmaid whose quiet life is disrupted when a young stranger arrives at her pub claiming he has killed his father. Rather than being rejected by the community, the young man becomes an unlikely local hero, capturing the imagination and affection of the townspeople. His newfound status is soon threatened, however, when a second man unexpectedly appears.

The production, starring Nicola Coughlan, known for her roles in Bridgerton and Derry Girls, alongside Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls), has earned widespread praise, with “The Guardian” calling it “a sumptuous production, rich in detail, craft and spectacle” and describing the play as “ahead of its time.”

National Theatre live brings the best of British theatre to cinema screens making incredible productions accessible around the world. Filmed live, the actors on stage deliver their performances as they normally would any other night. But to make sure everyone watching in a cinema has the best seat in the house, they tailor the position of the cameras to capture each production and work closely with technical teams to make sure every element on stage such as lighting, hair and make-up look fantastic on the big screen. Every seat is the best seat in the house!

The Playboy of the Western World will play for two screenings only, Thursday June 25 at 6 p.m. and Friday, June 26 at 2 p.m. All broadcasts from National Theatre Live at Lincoln Theater are generously sponsored by First National Bank and First National Wealth Management. Tickets: $15 Adult, $13 Lincoln Theater Member, and $5 Youth, are available for purchase in advance through LincolnTheater.org, or at the door beginning 30 minutes before showtime. Lincoln Theater is located at 2 Theater Street in the heart of downtown Damariscotta. More information is available online or by contacting the theater office at info@LincolnTheater.org or 563-3424.