The Weir at Harold Pinter Theatre

The Irish are known for having the gift of the gab: a nation of raconteurs who can spin you a thrilling tale over a pint of Guinness in a country pub. Though the stereotype may seem a little trite, The Weir is anything but, as playwright Conor McPherson brilliantly captures the Emerald Isle’s tradition of storytelling. This one-act play is gripping, funny and ultimately moving, all the while gently exploring themes of loneliness and regret.

First penned in 1997 by McPherson (who also serves as director on this run), The Weir takes us to the “bog” outside the townland of Carrick, where our five leads shelter from biting winds in the local pub. Joining young(ish) barkeep Brendan are two aged regulars, Jack and Jim, from the nearby garage. Old boys through and through, their peaceful pints are interrupted by shiny-suited businessman Finbar, who’s brought along new arrival Valerie to show her a bit of local colour. It turns out Finbar isn’t the only peacock looking to fluff up his feathers to make an impression on the newest Carrick resident, and innocent introductions soon give way to a night swapping eerie stories of the supernatural.

It’s the tale-telling that makes this play; the monologues are spooky enough to be thrilling without ever taking the mickey. This is helped by McPherson’s generous lashings of Irish humour, and a subtle, gradual reveal of some deeper truths about our characters – their insecurities, loneliness and terrible grief.

McPherson and team enhance this storytelling by cleverly immersing the audience in the intimate setting. The true-to-life pub set is meticulously created by designer Rae Smith, and the subtle lighting changes (courtesy of Mark Henderson) and single unbroken act make it really feel as though we are spending a dying evening with some old barflies holding court. Further creating this convincing atmosphere are exceptional performances across the ensemble, and lead Brendan Gleeson offering a gruff but ultimately vulnerable Jack. 

The Weir is a play that only gets better as it goes along. Though Finbar is a touch too caricaturish in the early scenes, it adds significance to his later humility and makes him a good foil for the other characters. The sole woman, Valerie, seems a little tokenistic at first – simply a shiny object for the men to compete over – but earns her due in the play’s climax when she finally gets to tell her own story.

McPherson is widely celebrated as a playwright, and here he also proves his merits as a director, with clever staging that further adds to the communal, fireside ambience. The Weir keeps you hooked – each tale you find yourself hanging onto every word. It’s storytelling in its purest form, and it’s fantastic.

Maggie O’Shea
Photos: Rich Gilligan

The Weir is at Harold Pinter Theatre until 6^th December 2025. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the trailer for The Weir at Harold Pinter Theatre here: