Theatre Review : Pocketing the laughs
By Richard Purden
 Stones in his Pockets
Stones In His Pockets is a play that celebrates Ireland’s everyman, set in Co. Kerry. A typical Hollywood movie rolls into town to capitalise on Ireland’s heritage, history and culture.
Many of the local population are hired as extras casting a welcoming but humorously cynical eye over the proceedings.
Jake Quinn has just returned to his home village after a disillusioned spell in New York. Charlie Conlon following his life going into disarray in Northern Ireland hooks up with Jake and the pair form a friendship on the set that takes them both on a journey of discovery and possibility.
The dynamics in this play have the audience in stitches; all 14 parts are played by Glaswegian actors Andy Gray and Allan Stewart who provide a comic chemistry, versatility and timing that is electric.
Watching the pair mix with Dave, a coke-snorting rigger from London, Simon, a high camp Glaswegian artistic director, and Old Mickey, a surviving local recounting his experiences with John Wayne on The Quiet Man, celebrates the wit and surreal humour in everyday Irish life. It also looks at the importance of community in rural Ireland and what shapes the dreams and outlook of the inhabitants.
It’s a play that turns conventions on their head where the ordinary man becomes the hero and the Hollywood star becomes part of the backdrop. Both Charlie and Jake survive life’s darkest moments; there are genuine moments of pathos that the play is able to digest probably because the humour is so sharp and true to life — it never once falls into the trap of over sentimentality.
The audience warm to the characters almost immediately to share in the laughs and the sadness. There are moments in this play that most people will relate too whether it be looking for a priest in times of trouble, finding a friend in a new job or just going on a journey of self-discovery — there is something for everyone.
Starring Andy Gray and Allan Stewart.
For performance and ticket information call 0131 529 6000. |
