Brendan Gleeson to make West End debut in Conor McPherson's 'The Weir'

The Weir is set in an isolated pub in rural Ireland, and follows a group of men as they share scary stories to impress new arrival Valerie — before hearing one from the young woman that leaves them all shaken.

Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin, Paddington 2) will make his West End debut in a new production of Conor McPherson's The Weir, directed for the first time by the playwright. Performances will begin at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 12 September, running through 6 December.

Brendan Gleeson said, “Conor McPherson’s The Weir is one of the rarest plays around. The last time I appeared on stage was ten years ago, at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin, where I started my career. I can’t wait to be back there, and then to play in the West End for the first time, at the beautiful Pinter Theatre – and to work with Conor on his profoundly moving, inspiring and ultimately hopeful play.”

Conor McPherson said, “I can hardly believe it’s thirty years since I wrote The Weir - and about thirty years since I first met the wonderful Brendan Gleeson. It’s an absolute honour to bring this play to life again with one of the great titans of Irish acting. I’m hugely looking forward to directing my play for the very first time and sharing this production with audiences in Dublin and in London very soon.”

Set in an isolated pub in rural Ireland, a group of men share scary stories to impress Valerie, a new arrival in the area. But when she shares a personal story of her own, they are all left shaken by her revelations.

Further casting is to be announced.

Check back for The Weir tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Brendan Gleeson. (Courtesy of production)