Conor McPherson's The Weir and The Night Alive to Play the Donmar; Ciarán Hinds, Jim Norton Among Cast

By Mark Shenton
08 Mar 2013

Ciaran Hinds
Ciaran Hinds
Photo by Joseph Marzullo/WENN

The full cast has been announced for the new production of Conor McPherson's The Weir at London's Donmar Warehouse in April, to be followed in June by the world premiere of McPherson's The Night Alive, directed by the playwright.

According to press materials, these "back to back productions will allow audiences to see his latest work alongside his recognised masterpiece."

The Weir, which will begin performances April 18 prior to an official opening April 25 for a run through June 8, will feature Risteárd Cooper, Brian Cox, Dervla Kirwan, Peter McDonald and Ardal O’Hanlon. It is directed by Josie Rourke, with designs by Tom Scutt, lighting by Neil Austin and sound by Ian Dickinson.

The Night Alive, which will begin performances June 13 prior to an official opening June 19 for a run through July 27, will feature Caoilfhionn Dunne, Brian Gleeson, Ciarán Hinds (currently on Broadway in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof), Michael McElhatton and Jim Norton (recently on Broadway in The Mystery of Edwin Drood at Studio 54). It is directed by Conor McPherson, with designs by Soutra Gilmour, lighting by Neil Austin and sound by Gregory Clarke.

The Weir, first produced at the Royal Court's Theatre Upstairs in 1997 before transferring to the West End and Broadway, is receiving its first major British revival since the original production. In Brendan’s pub, isolated above the town, the men are gathering for their daily pint. The arrival of a stranger in their midst – a woman - spurs them to impress her with stories. They are stories of souls past and of spirits very much present. But one story is more chilling and more real than any of the men could have foreseen.

In The Night Alive, Tommy's not a bad man, he's getting by. Renting a rundown room in his uncle Maurice's house, just about keeping his ex-wife and kids at arm’s length and rolling from one get-rich-quick scheme to the other with his pal Doc. Then one day he comes to the aid of Aimee, who's not had it easy herself, struggling through life the only way she knows how. Their past won't let go easily. But together there's a glimmer of hope they could make something more of their lives. According to press materials, the play "deftly mines the humanity to be found in the most unlikely of situations."

To book tickets, contact the box office on 0844 871 7624, or visit www.donmarwarehouse.com for more details.