12 - 22 August 2026
The Abbey Theatre presents the Irish Repertory Theatre production
Ulster American
Written by David Ireland
Directed by Ciarán O'Reilly
Booking Information
While no tickets are currently available, returns will be added to the site for general sale as they come in, so please continue to check this page regularly.
Tickets that become available ahead of individual performances will be put on sale at box office in the theatre – the in-person queue for these returns will open an hour before the performance.
If you need any more information please call Box Office.
Dates: 12 – 22 August
Preview: 12 August
On the Abbey Stage
Times:
Mon – Sat 7:30pm
Sat matinees 2pm
Wed matinee 2pm, 19 Aug
Latecomers cannot be admitted.
Tickets: €15 – €55 plus booking fee
Running time: approx. 90 minutes, no interval
Age recommendation: 16+
Content Advice: For information on the content and themes in this production, click here.
"a play that shocks, amuses and thrills in equal measure" - Sunday Independent
Ulster American, written by David Ireland and directed by Ciarán O’Reilly, starring Max Baker, Matthew Broderick and Geraldine Hughes, is a savagely funny play that dissects the intersection of identity politics, ego, privilege, and the Northern Irish Troubles with satirical precision.
On the evening before rehearsals begin for her new work, Ulster-born playwright Ruth Davenport visits the home of English director Leigh Carver, along with Oscar-winning Hollywood star Jay Conway who has just arrived in London to star in the world premiere.
What begins as a cordial gathering to discuss the upcoming production quickly descends into a brutal psychological brawl as egos, ideologies, and historical baggage collide. A theatrical hand grenade disguised as a drawing-room comedy, Ulster American explosively reveals some raw contradictions at the heart of modern storytelling and political posturing.
Reviews
"Ireland’s script is mischievous and provocative, witty and confrontational."
Sunday Independent
"a superbly provocative play"
Irish Independent
"Absurd, funny and thought-provoking, this is a fantastic 90 minutes of theatre that leaves you with plenty to unpack afterwards."
No More Workhorse
"David Ireland's Ulster American is one of this season's best new plays...Ciarán O'Reilly's sharp direction keeps us guessing."
The Wrap
★★★★★
"Topical, bitingly funny, and acted within an inch of its life, Ulster American is what we dream of seeing at the theatre."
The Front Row
"Director Ciarán O'Reilly's adaptation is a sizzling slow build, balancing humor with pathos and bravado until all hell breaks loose."
This Week in New York
★★★★
"a marvelous performance"
New York Stage Review
Credits
- Lee Carver: Max Baker
- Jay Conway: Matthew Broderick
- Ruth Davenport: Geraldine Hughes
- Director: Ciarán O'Reilly
- Set Designer: Charlie Corcoran
- Costume Designer: Orla Long
- Lighting Designer: Michael Gottlieb
- Sound Design: Florian Staab
- Sound Design & Original Music: Ryan Rumery
- Properties: Deirdre Brennan
- Assistant Costume Design: Lindsey Eifert
- Fight Director: Rick Sordelet
- Production Stage Manager: Karen Evanouskas
- Assistant Stage Manager: Jade Doina
- Managing Director: Lisa Fane
- Press Representative: Print Shop PR
