The Beauty Queen of Leenane

A Tony Award-winning dark comedy thriller, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, “crackles with emotional fire and the blackest of comedy that is both hilarious and horrific” (The Guardian).

The play combines thrilling elements of farce and melodrama with a searing critique on the Irish belief in the sanctity of the family.

In a lonely, run-down cottage in Connemara, Maureen Folan leads an isolated life with Mag, her demanding, manipulative mother. With the arrival of an unexpected admirer, Maureen finally sees the possibility of escaping her dismal life. However, Mag has other ideas, and the two women are plunged into a desperate conflict which leads to a shocking conclusion.

The Beauty Queen of Leenane is one of playwright Martin McDonagh’s (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri; The Lieutenant of Inishmore) finest achievements. Winner of four Tony Awards on Broadway and nominated for an Olivier Award, the play conjures up the unbearable tension and loneliness of an isolated existence that surely speaks to all of us today. It is not to be missed.

The production includes scenes of violence, cruelty and strong language.

The Beauty Queen of Leenane is part of the Traverse's £1 Ticket Project.

Please note, the performance on Friday 21 Oct will feature a post-show discussion.

The Traverse Theatre is funded by Creative Scotland and The City of Edinburgh Council, and has received additional support from the Scottish Government's Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund and Creative Scotland’s Recovery Fund for Cultural Organisations.

If you have access requirements, please contact our Sales and Welcome Team on boxoffice@traverse.co.uk or 0131 228 1404 so we can arrange reserved seating for you and discuss how else we can best support your visit.