Veteran actor Brendan Gleeson graces the West End stage for the first time in the revival of Conor McPherson's play, 'The Weir', with Patrick Marmion's critic review published for the performance at the Harold Pinter Theatre.
In the heart of London, the Harold Pinter Theatre is currently playing host to a revival of Conor McPherson's wistful Irish classic, "The Weir." The play, set in a remote pub on the west coast of Ireland in 1996, features Brendan Gleeson in a commanding performance as the rural colossus, Jack.
Gleeson, best known for his role as Harry Potter's Mad-Eye Moody, has taken the lead role in this revival, marking his West End debut at the age of 70. His character, Jack, propping up the bar, is a steady presence in the play, much like the barman, played by an unspecified actor.
The pub's beer tap is dysfunctional, causing Jack to have to settle for bottled Guinness. However, this minor inconvenience does little to dampen the spirit of the play. The warm laughter that rolls off the audience is a testament to the charm and engagement of the production.
The play's narrative unfolds as the three local men and the barman share ghost stories on a wet, windy night. Among them is Sean McGinley, who plays a quietly spooky character who orders whiskey and shares a graveyard yarn. Kate Phillips, as Valerie, a mysterious woman from Dublin, adds an intriguing twist to the storyline, her arrival turning the course of the play's events.
Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, known for his role in "Peaky Blinders," brings a twitchy, cheesy charm to his portrayal of a small-time local businessman. The young woman, Valerie, has moved from Dublin to a new location, her arrival stirring up tales of a 'fairy road' and Ireland's mythic and painful past.
"The Weir" catches Ireland on the cusp of change, a theme that resonates even today, over two decades since the play premiered in 1997. The play has stood the test of time, proving that it is not just special, but vintage.
So, if you're looking for an evening of enchanting poetry, ghostly tales, and a touch of Irish charm, "The Weir" at the Harold Pinter Theatre is not to be missed.
