This 25th-anniversary revival of Stones in His Pockets is a spirited co-production by the Octagon Theatre Bolton, the Barn Theatre in Cirencester, and Wiltshire Creative—a fitting collaboration from the West Country that's about to embark on a UK and Ireland tour.
Set in rural Ireland, Marie Jones’ award-winning comedy follows the story of a Hollywood film crew descending on a small village to shoot their latest blockbuster. The play is a two-hander, with Gerard McCabe as Charlie and Shaun Blaney as Jake—two local extras roped into the production.
The actors effortlessly switch between a wide variety of roles, including elderly directors, high-strung production assistants and glamorous movie stars, creating a whirlwind of characters with impressive precision.
McCabe and Blaney demonstrate superb chemistry, seamlessly transitioning from one role to the next with nothing more than a change of a hat or a shift in posture. Their energy is infectious, and it’s clear how much they’re enjoying themselves on stage—a joy that easily translates to the audience. If their skilful character work isn’t enough to win over the crowd, their lively Irish dance number certainly will be.
The character transitions are further enhanced by clever set design and technical elements, including lighting changes, costume rails, and the use of white screens. Projections on a marquee effectively transport the audience to various settings, from a cosy village bar to the sweeping Irish countryside.
While the play’s poignant moments occasionally felt a little overshadowed by the rapid character changes, overall, Stones in His Pockets is an entertaining and lively production. It’s a testament to the actor's versatility and the production’s playful approach.
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