Frome Drama are very excited to announce that at last their production of the Weir by Conor McPherson will be on the stage at the Merlin.

First planned for 2019 and directed by Simon Blacksell who directed Pygmalion for FromeDrama, the Weir is a powerful ensemble piece with humour and pathos.

Set in a pub in rural Ireland three locals, are spending their evening gossiping and telling each other spooky stories.

David Dunn plays Jack, a bachelor garage owner and Richard Moore plays his friend Jim, another bachelor who lives with his mother. A third customer Finbar, a hotel owner, is a little more urbane than the other chaps having done well for himself. He is played by Laurie Parnell, a well-known FromeDrama actor – recently in Arcadia and Terminus.

The tales are helped by the flowing drinks, served by the landlord Brendon played by FromeDrama newcomer Marc Bessant. Marc may be new to FromeDrama but has lots of experience having worked with Laurie and Simon the director before.

Then, the men are joined by Valerie, an educated woman from Dublin who has recently moved to the remote area alone – an enigma to the locals, who can't understand why she has come, and immediately the whole dynamic changes. Valerie is played by Rosie Allerhand, who has been a member of FromeDrama for a while – but this is her first stage role.

Through banter and strange tales, the locals try to scare her, but she has a story far more powerful and unsettling than anything they have told.

Rosie says, "The audience can expect some classic Irish banter alongside chilling storytelling that will have you on the edge of your seat."

Simon Blacksell director says "I like the slow burn approach to directing, but this has been ridiculous. After nearly 18 months delay, I am so pleased that The Weir is back on track. And, with one exception, the original cast is still together. Conor McPherson is one of Ireland's most celebrated living playwrights and this is acknowledged as one of his masterpieces. He manages to combine both humour and high emotion in this compelling play."

To ensure the experience is the fully Irish one – come early to hear live Irish music in the foyer and maybe buy some Guinness to get you in the mood.

The Weir is at the Merlin Theatre 18th – 20th November at 7.45

Tickets £12/10 from www.merlintheatre.co.uk