Director's Commentary  The Weir was only released for amateur performance in January but I'd had my eye on it since seeing a production in London in 1999 - a decent enough interval so that I could remember what a great play it was but not recall enough detail to rip it off shamelessly! Casting this was a no-brainer as I knew exactly who would fit each part but my first decision was not even to ATTEMPT Irish accents as I didn't want the dramatic spell broken by any descent into comedy "Oirishness" (The sneaky devils did try it at a rehearsal I couldn't attend and it apparently sounded like an episode of Father Ted!).
Before rehearsals even started, Helen came up trumps finding the bar, cheekily asking some workmen renovating a pub near her to save it rather than chucking it out - so we ended up with a eight foot section of weather-beaten bar which weighed a ton. So with that weight (ha ha) off my mind, the actual rehearsals went really smoothly. As everyone - except Ray - had a lengthy ghost story to deliver (Sharon's clocked in at eleven minutes!), we tackled those first. But as Conor McPherson writes such good dialogue the cast relaxed into it straight away. In fact, towards the end of rehearsals, I began to get the feeling that I could have just left them to get on with it and the end result would have been pretty much the same. All in all a really first rate production David

Quote, Unquote  I had a blast! This could have been a real grim piece to rehearse and stage, but at NO time was this the case. Everyone gave 110% throughout. I definitely think that getting the total lines deadline earlier in the schedule helped, as once the books were out of the way, we could really get to grips with the play. I wasn’t freaked by the lack of prompt as we’d done it before and to be honest, by the time the performances came round, it wasn’t even an issue - I have NEVER felt so chilled out on stage. You could hear a pin drop every night when the monologues were being delivered, it was electric. And major kudos to Ray for juggling all those drinks – I could never have done all that!! This was another example of excellent team work from all Chameleons. I want to do it again! Sharon
A real delight to be in. It was an absolute privilege to watch four Chameleons at the top of their game and, you probably won't believe this, I NEVER got bored of listening to the monologues. David made it an exceptionally pleasant experience, and it was great to be in the new Northern Theatre. The place has got such incredible potential and I am glad we're going to be part of it Ray
It was as good a collective performance, and as enjoyable an experience, as any I've had with the Chameleons. The dialogue was fantastic - snappy, realistic and a pleasure to learn, as was the monologue. Jonathan's comic timing was superb, I looked forward to Ray's rant because it was different every time (and he was so clearly enjoying it!), Brian's last monologue was extremely touching, and I don't think I've ever seen a better performance from Sharon. And all of this wrapped up in a very moving play about loneliness, missed opportunities and the consolations of friendship Andy
I got to talk, twice, for a long time without anyone interrupting. It was also good to get into the new Northern Theatre premises. Another new author for me and another good time Brian
As much fun as you can have with three pints of non-alcoholic shandy Jonathan

Bye Bye Madeley Street  Northern Theatre were finally able to move out of the rather dilapidated Studio2 into the old Art College - a far more central location with better facilities (and a larger stage). Hopefully now they'll get the recognition they deserve.