Conor McPherson, he will direct his Irish pub drama for the first time later this year. The Weir will head to the West End from September, following a premiere in Dublin, which is planned for August.
The Weir artwork starring Brendan Gleeson.
Hollywood star Brendan Gleeson will star in The Weir later this year.
The Weir follows a group of men who gather at their local rural pub for an evening of storytelling. In a bid to impress Valerie, a newcomer from Dublin, the men share stories steeped in local folklore and ghostly encounters. However, when Valerie shares a deeply personal and unsettling story of her own, the evening takes a turn.
The new production will debut at Dublin's Olympia Theatre from 8 August to 6 September 2025, ahead of a London run at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 12 September to 6 December 2025.
Gleeson will play the role of local garage owner Jack, with further casting to be announced soon. The acclaimed film, TV and stage actor has received various awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award, two British Independent Film Awards and three IFTA Awards. Listed as one of Ireland's greatest film actors, he's also been nominated for an Academy Award, three BAFTA Awards and five Golden Globe Awards.
Some of his notable credits in his career include Braveheart, Paddington 2 and the Harry Potter film series. He recently starred in the 2022 film The Banshee of Inisherin and the crime series Mr. Mercedes.
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.”
Conor McPherson has an impressive year of projects underway with The Brightening Air starring Chris O'Dowd currently playing at The Old Vic until 14 June 2025. Later this year, audiences will be able to enjoy the return of his hit musical Girl From The North Country from 24 June at The Old Vic, and a brand new stage adaptation of The Hunger Games on Stage heads to a new East London Venue, Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre on 20 October 2025.
The Weir is running at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 12 September to 6 December 2025.
