This November, the Talisman Theatre & Arts Centre presents The Pillowman, the acclaimed and provocative black comedy from Oscar-winning writer Martin McDonagh (In Bruges, The Banshees of Inisherin). 

Fresh from a sold-out West End revival in 2023 – marking 20 years since its world premiere – this gripping modern classic now comes to Kenilworth for the very first time. 

Set within a fictional police state, The Pillowman takes audiences deep into the dark, twisted imagination of short-story writer Katurian. When several children are found murdered in ways eerily similar to her disturbing tales, Katurian is arrested and interrogated by two brutal detectives.

As the clock ticks down to her potential execution, she must fight to prove her innocence — and question where the line lies between imagination and responsibility. 

Artistic Director Steve Smith said: "We're thrilled to bring The Pillowman to the Talisman stage — a powerful, unsettling, and darkly funny play that challenges and provokes in equal measure.

"As a community theatre, we're proud to offer a truly diverse programme, from beloved classics to daring contemporary works.

"This production gives our audiences something different: an opportunity to experience a bold, genre-defying play that will linger long after the final curtain." 

The production, directed by Dave Crossfield, sees him take a step from performing to the director's chair.

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Dave commented: "Directing this play for our main house production this November has been a great joy, despite its challenging subject matter. The Pillowman reflects the cyclical nature of trauma – how pain inflicted in one generation echoes into the next.

"McDonagh offers no easy answers, but he compels us to confront the questions — where does art end and influence begin?" 

The cast features several exciting debuts and returning favourites, including Joanna Stevely as Katurian, Ewen Weatherburn as Detective Ariel, and returning performers Ruth MacCallum and Henri West, among others. 

The Pillowman runs from Monday 3 to Saturday 8 November at the Talisman Theatre & Arts Centre, Kenilworth.

Book now online or via the Box Office on 01926 856548. 

Age recommendation: 16+ (or at parental discretion, parental supervision advised). Contains disturbing themes including child abuse and child murder, depictions of mental illness, violence, police brutality and firearm use.

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