James 'Sharky' Harkin, erstwhile fisherman/van driver/chauffeur, is an unassuming sort of fellow well into his fifties. He lives with his cantankerous blind brother in a pretty squalid flat to the north of Dublin. He ekes out a living. He has his hopes and fears...It's Christmas Eve. Friends turn up to play cards and get drunk on Sharky's booze. One of them, Mr. Lockhart, is a man he thinks he recognises. As the night wears on and Christmas Eve becomes Christmas Day, Mr. Lockhart reminds Sharky that they last met in jail, where Sharky was doing time for killing a man in a fight. Lockhart appears to have arranged for Sharky's miraculous early release - but only against Sharky's undertaking that the next time they play cards, and he loses, Sharky must surrender his soul...In his magnificently atmospheric new play, McPherson is up to his old tricks, introducing real spookiness into the most ordinary surroundings: the ghost stories of "The Weir", the dead wife in "Shining City". With its variation on the Faust theme, "The Seafarer" is the strongest yet. It is set for huge success when it opens at the National Theatre in the autumn.
Every purchase you make from the National Theatre Bookshop helps fund the vital work of The National Theatre. Whether that's putting new work on stages across the world or supporting our outreach and learning programmes, every purchase you make really does make a difference.
Our staff are insightful and knowledgeable, many of them work as actors, artists and playwrights. Have a look at what they recommend this month and see if you can find your next piece of inspiration.
Our exclusive National Theatre gifts will be sure to add a smile to their recipient. Whether a budding playwright, a natural performer or a National Theatre super fan there is something for everyone.
Give the gift of reading. Our experienced booksellers hand select, wrap and post a beautiful book to you every month. With Plays, Fiction or Poetry you can delight in making the words come to life in your hands.
