A brand new production of award-winning playwright David Ireland’s Ulster American will play at Riverside Studios for eight weeks from 4 December, it has been announced.

Directed by Jeremy Herrin, Emmy Award-winner and Academy Award -nominee Woody Harrelson (True Detective) returns to the London stage for the first time in almost two decades to play Oscar-winning American actor Jay Conway, alongside BAFTA and Emmy award-winner Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy) as English director Leigh Carver, and Louisa Harland (Derry Girls) as Northern Irish playwright Ruth Davenport.

Ulster American will feature set and costume design by Max Jones, lighting by Oliver Fenwick, sound by Emma Laxton, and casting by Jessica Ronane CDG.

An Oscar -winning American actor, an English director and a Northern Irish playwright are about to begin rehearsals for a new play — one that could transform each of their careers. But when it turns out that they’re not on the same page, the night threatens to spiral out of control.

Power dynamics, cultural identity and the perils of being a woman in the entertainment industry; nothing is off limits in this pitch-black comedy.

Jeremy Herrin said: “I’m delighted that this rollercoaster of a play has summoned such a stellar roster of talent to join us for this pitch black comedy at the beautifully refurbished Riverside Studios.

“I’ve always admired David Ireland’s fearlessness and the way he manages to skewer pretension in its many guises.

“It’s an honour to bring the legend that is Woody Harrelson to London; to welcome Andy Serkis back to the stage after so much success in the movies; and to enjoy the brilliant Louisa Harland going toe-to-toe with them both.

“It’ll be a thrilling evening and I can’t wait to see our audience’s reaction to this explosive show.”

Tickets will go on general sale at 10am on 12 October here, with priority booking open from 10 October.