The Weir, Mercury Theatre, Colchester, until Saturday, September 16. 01206 573948.

THERE'S been a fair few plaudits for Conor McPherson's groundbreaking play in the 20 years since it first premiered.

Sometimes, especially when they're that glowing, you can't help thinking 'can it really be that good'.

But after watching this stunning new co-production from the Mercury Theatre and English Touring Theatre, I can see exactly why audiences and critics alike have listed as one of the greatest plays of the 20th century.

At the very heart of The Weir is the joy of storytelling, how it entertains us, makes us laugh, cry but perhaps most importantly in this bar in a small Irish town, the way it can bring us comfort and solace.

When the men in the bar start with their tales of ghostly goings-on, there's a fear it might put the proverbial 'wind' up newcomer (or blow-in) Valerie but when she tells her very own story, nothing could be further from the truth.

As it transpires it's her story that offers up a chance for reflection and perhaps in some way resolution. But that's the power of story folks and those Irish writers can half tell a good one when they put their mind to it.

The power of a good play is in the acting and this cast truly do McPherson's tale justice with some absolutely barnstorming performances no where more so than Natalie Radmall-Quirke's Valerie who has the audience hanging on every single word when she tells her heartbreaking story.

Then there's Sean Murray's brilliant old timer, Jack, and the quiet, reflective Jim, a gorgeous understated turn by John O'Dowd. Finally we have Sam O'Mahony's sweet and steady bar keeper Brendan, and Louis Dempsey as the brash Finbar, the guy who escaped small town Ireland and made his fortune doing it.

They're the real stars of the show, although the Mercury workshop team should give themselves a massive pat on the back for their recreation of a traditional Irish bar.

Bar some unnecessary musical underscores, which slightly annoy, pretty much everything in this show is a delight, serving up the most wonderful of theatrical treats.

Go and see it while you can.

NEIL D'ARCY-JONES