Jez Butterworth and Sam Mendes' Olivier award-winning The Ferryman completed its Broadway transfer when it opened at the Bernard B Jacob's Theater on Sunday. Set in 80's Ireland and with a cast of over 30, how did it fare with the critics?

The New York Times was full of praise for the production saying, 'The last a new drama with this breadth of scope and ambition appeared on Broadway was seven years ago...' finishing with 'By the end of this magnificent drama, Mr. Butterwoth has connected the contradictions with a skill that takes the breath away'.

The Washington Post also applauded the play calling it, 'A riveting work of art' continuing with, 'Butterworth and Mendes have masterminded 'The Ferryman for maximum wallop, and the actors, to a person, are brilliant executors'. They finished their review with 'One of the most ferociously rewarding climaxes of my playgoing experience. That sensation, of a tension released by consummate storytelling, is what a theater lover lives for'.

Variety said 'Glorious is not too strong a word for director Sam Mendes' production' with The Hollywood Reporter saying 'A crackling thriller woven into a vibrant canvas of a character-driven portrait of big-family' finding with 'This is rich, full-throated theater not to be missed'.

What is The Ferryman about?

Set during the height of the 'Troubles', the story centres on the farming Carney family, residing in rural County Derry. As they prepare to bring in the year's harvest, their peaceful idyll is shattered with the arrival of a visitor. Bringing troubling news of a prison hunger strike in which 10 republican prisoners starved themselves to death, the large family are faced with a choice; to take up the sword in aid of the prisoners or work the fields for the family.

The Ferryman is now playing at the Bernard B Jacobs Theater through to February 17.