Irish actor Paul Mescal is set to make his debut at London’s esteemed National Theatre, starring in two seminal 20th century plays: A Whistle In The Dark by Tom Murphy and Death Of A Salesman by Arthur Miller. This marks a significant milestone in the 29-year-old’s flourishing career, as he takes on roles in these powerful dramas exploring the turmoil of familial bonds, fractured identities, and societal pressures.
Both plays will be staged at the Lyttelton Theatre as part of the first season curated by Indhu Rubasingham, the newly appointed co-chief executive and director of the National Theatre. Rubasingham’s inaugural programme aims to open a fresh chapter for the institution, embracing a range of powerful voices and urgent storytelling.
A Whistle In The Dark, directed by Caitríona McLaughlin, will later transfer to Dublin’s Abbey Theatre, highlighting a continuing cross-cultural collaboration between Britain and Ireland. Meanwhile, Death Of A Salesman will be brought to life under the direction of Olivier Award-winner Rebecca Frecknall, adding further creative gravitas to the season. Full casting and ticketing details are expected to be announced in the coming months.
The plays, both iconic in their own right, delve deep into the emotional complexities of familial dynamics. A Whistle In The Dark, first performed in 1961, explores the violent tensions among a family of Irish immigrants in England, while Death Of A Salesman, one of the most enduring works of American theatre, charts the decline of Willy Loman, a salesman grappling with disillusionment and the fading promise of the American dream.
Speaking on her new programme, Rubasingham commented, “The National Theatre is a very special place at the heart of our national discourse, and I am incredibly proud to be its seventh director. I am so excited about everything to come, and the wealth of projects and artists announced today.”
She continued, “The National Theatre is a beacon of creativity, humanity and possibilities. It holds the stories of so many people who have made this place mean so much to so many. This is just the beginning, a flavour of what’s to come, the start of the next chapter.”
The season also includes a collaboration with British rapper Stormzy, whose influence across music, culture, and social discourse marks a bold, contemporary move for the theatre.
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Mescal’s appearance in these major productions comes on the heels of another high-profile announcement: he will portray Sir Paul McCartney in a forthcoming four-part film series about The Beatles. The ambitious cinematic project will be directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sir Sam Mendes and will tell the story of the Fab Four through four separate perspectives.
Mescal rose to prominence during the pandemic in the BBC adaptation of Sally Rooney’s Normal People, where his poignant portrayal of Connell Waldron won him global acclaim. He went on to win an Olivier Award for his role in A Streetcar Named Desire, further cementing his reputation as one of the most compelling young actors on the stage today.
More recently, Mescal wrapped filming on Gladiator II, directed by Sir Ridley Scott. He plays a fierce arena fighter who attempts to topple two corrupt Roman emperors — a role that showcases his physical presence and dramatic range.
As one of the most in-demand talents of his generation, Paul Mescal’s foray into the National Theatre is expected to draw significant interest from theatre-goers and fans alike. With two emotionally charged roles in two landmark productions, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year in the actor’s already stellar career.
