Brendan Gleeson In The Weir At Harold Pinter Theatre

Brendan Gleeson’s performance in The Weir at the Harold Pinter Theatre has been met with widespread acclaim from critics, with many pointing to his quiet intensity and commanding presence as one of the production’s standout elements. Returning to the West End in this play by Conor McPherson, Gleeson brings both gravitas and vulnerability to the character of Jack, anchoring a play that thrives on atmosphere, storytelling, and emotional honesty.

Set in a remote Irish rural pub, The Weir blends supernatural undertones with the everyday lives of its characters. The play’s pace is unhurried but never dull; audiences are drawn into stories of loss, longing, and the strange ways people connect when faced with the unknown. Critics praise the ensemble cast—each character contributing to a sense of warmth, unease, and unpredictable empathy that lingers long after the curtain falls.

The staging has been described as both intimate and haunting. Under the direction, lighting, sound, and minimal set work all come together to create a space that feels real and uncanny in equal measure. Reviewers note that the technical elements never overwhelm the emotional substance, but instead enhance it—whether through flickering lights that suggest unseen presences, or silences that allow moments of grief or hope to stand stark and clear.

Many reviews point out that The Weir doesn’t deliver super-scary chills, but it does evoke a rare kind of chill that comes from recognising one’s own vulnerability in others. It’s the kind of quiet play theatre lovers seek: emotional depth, moments of beauty and unease, and performances that linger in memory.

If you’re looking for an evening of thoughtful drama rather than spectacle, this production is a must-see. Brendan Gleeson’s return in this role has proven both moving and compelling, earning The Weir a place among the more affecting West End offerings this season.