When Hollywood comes to County Kerry in rural Ireland to film their latest blockbuster, the scene is set for comic humour and plenty of twists and turns in this Olivier award-winning play that’s about so much more than being a film extra.
Charlie Conlon (Matty Mccabbe) and Jake Quinn (Robbie Curran) are local lads keen to maximise the money-making opportunity – plus celebrity spotting of being on set. Of course, both have their own agendas – Charlie really wants to get his script made into a film and Jake unwittingly becomes an unlikely lothario attracting the attentions of the glamourous movie star Caroline Giovanni.
What makes this play by Marie Jones so special is the fact all of the characters (I think perhaps there were 15 in total) are played by just two actors. And it actually works!
Mccabbe and Curran clearly have chemistry as they deftly switch between characters and take the audience along with them. It seems quite unbelievable that the addition of a scarf or a clipboard could have so much power, but couple that with the change of gait, voice and posture and you too will be convinced into believing they really are now different people.
At first glance this play seems to centre around the amusing world of film making, but subtly and cleverly the characters unravel the impact of ‘other worldliness’ Hollywood has on a rural community.
When unexpected tragedy strikes, the ambition of Hollywood jostles against the realities of life of real people in a small rural district. Budgets are tested, morals are examined and as a community they are forced to question: what is really important?
‘Stones in His Pockets’ is amusing, emotional and inventive. A heart-warming story to enjoy in the fifth heatwave of the year! (Don’t worry the air-conditioning is working at full pelt!)
Stones in His Pockets’ runs from 11th – 15th August 2026
https://frintonsummertheatre.littleboxoffice.com/browse
Reviewer: Samantha Collett
Reviewed: 11th August 2026
North West End UK Rating: