Peaky Blinders star’s “perfect” Irish drama hailed as “a masterpiece” gets exciting update

I’m so excited about the movie version of The Weir! It’s a play I’ve heard amazing things about – people call it a masterpiece! It’s based on Conor McPherson’s original from 1997, and the film is bringing back the whole stage cast, which is fantastic. Kate Phillips, who I loved in Peaky Blinders, is starring alongside Brendan Gleeson – what a pairing! Owen McDonnell, Seán McGinley, and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor are also back, and I’m really looking forward to seeing them all bring their performances to the screen after their successful run at the Harold Pinter Theatre last year.

Screen Daily reported that filming has started in Ireland, and Irish playwright Conor McPherson is directing the project.

Set in a country pub in Ireland, The Weir centers around four friends – Jack, Brendan, Jim, and Finbar – and their usual evening drinks. Their routine changes when Valerie, a woman from Dublin, joins them, and the men begin sharing local legends and ghost stories in an attempt to win her over.

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However, the group’s atmosphere shifts when Valerie shares the heartbreaking and deeply personal reason she’s there.

In a review, The Guardian described the play as “riveting,” praising how the Irish playwright’s deeply personal story blends pain and humor. They highlighted a perfect cast that brought the drama to life beautifully, even after nearly 30 years.

According to The Telegraph, Gleeson’s first performance in London’s West End showed he’s a truly exceptional actor, and the play itself was a masterpiece.

Nearly three decades after its debut, this production remains exceptional. According to London Theatre, the only reason it might not run longer than three months is because audiences will soon demand Gleeson’s talents on screen instead of the stage.

According to West End Best Friend, Gleeson delivers a fantastic performance as a tired Irishman, perfectly embodying the character. His portrayal is more than expected, hinting at deep feelings of loneliness and regret beneath a stoic exterior and clever humor.

Sophie Rundle is widely recognized for playing Linda Shelby in the BBC series Peaky Blinders. She first appeared in season three as the deeply religious wife of Arthur Shelby Jr.

Helen Phillips has stated she will not be involved in the upcoming Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man.

When asked by the Radio Times if she would be returning to the role, Phillips confirmed she wouldn’t be. She explained that while there had been talks about it, the plans ultimately fell through.

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2026-02-16 19:19