Conor McPherson's The Weir and The Night Alive to Play Donmar; Brian Cox, Ciaran Hinds, Jim Norton to Star

Brian Cox, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof's Ciaran Hinds, Tony winner Jim Norton and more complete the casts of Conor McPherson’s The Weir and the world premiere of The Night Alive at London’s Donmar Warehouse.

First up is The Weir, starring Cox as Jack, Risteard Cooper as Finbar, Dervla Kirwan as Valerie, Peter McDonald as Brendan and Ardal O’Hanlon as Jim. The Josie Rourke-directed play will begin performances April 18, and will play a limited engagement through June 8. Opening night is set for April 25.

The Donmar will continue its season by following The Weir with McPherson's new play, The Night Alive, which he will also direct. Starring frequent McPherson collaborator Norton as Maurice, Hinds as Tommy, Caoilfhionn Dunne as Aimee and Michael McElhatton as Doc, The Night Alive begins performances June 13, and will play a limited engagement through July 27. Opening night is set for June 19.

Set in Brendan’s pub, The Weir is the story of men gathering for their daily pint. The arrival of a stranger in their midst—a woman—spurs them to impress her with stories. But one story is more chilling and real than any of the men could have foreseen.

The Night Alive is the story of Tommy, a man who's just 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.