The Ferryman – Jez Butterworth
ADC Theatre, Cambridge, 29th April 2026
The Ferryman by Jez Butterworth centres on the Carney family. This play is based on a true story and set during the troubles in the 1980’s. It recounts the story of a former IRA member and a missing person. Two mysteries link together with stories told from troubles of the past. First performed in London to much critical acclaim and awards (Oliviers, Evening Standard and Tony Awards), The Combined Actors of Cambridge have brought this piece to the ADC Theatre.
This production starts strong and builds the tension. There was not a sound from the audience as two members of the IRA walk on and meet Father Horrigan – played by Simon Thompson. Suddenly, this tension is broken as the audience is transported into the Carney family home.
The director has a simple set of a large table to be able to seat all the family where needed. The whole set is nicely dressed with everything they need and feels like an Irish family home. There is a window positioned off to the left which is cleverly thought out by the lighting team to depict different times of the day. On the right is a staircase used not only for entrances and exits but provides the audience with variety of somewhere else to keep an eye on. This provides an ideal additional space for family secrets to be overheard.
The play is set in a farmhouse in County Armagh where the Carney family have been farming the land for many years. Quinn Carney, the head of the family played brilliantly by Scott Brindle is managing the harvest. Scott plays Quinn with humour and empathy. We can see how he struggles with his past and his feeling towards his sister in-law, Caitlin Quinn (Helen Holgate). These actors work excellently together and we wonder throughout the production whether there is more behind their relationship. This is an ensemble piece and every actor contributes a valuable part to the story. Each actor portrays their character with passion, recounting their experiences of living in those troubled times with conviction. Billy Russell as Shane Corcoran is a particularly stand out performance. We become drawn into his stories and involvement with the IRA. The physicality to his performance really adds to the character and makes us feel an empathy towards him. Another highlight is Mary Wade playing Aunt Maggie Faraway. Her timing and singing are excellent and we wonder whether she is choosing to forget her past experiences in life recounting the story of her sister. This leaves us asking many questions about the character.
Although The Ferryman is a play about family and hidden secrets, it also shines a light on the strong generational bonds of an Irish family from the youngest to the eldest living under the same roof. This is torn apart in a shocking climax, brilliantly directed. Helen Holgate’s intensity of emotion throughout the performance really adds to her character and we are drawn into her journey right to the traumatic climax of the show.
Although this show is 3 hours and 15 minutes long. the polished and skillful production makes it feel shorter as the audience are very much engaged all the way through. This is a must-see performance by a highly talented theatre group.
Guest reviewer: Abishek Reddy
Photos credit: Paul Ashley