Standing ovation for talented multi-character duo

Review: Salisbury Playhouse - Stones In His Pockets

by Annette J Beveridge

HOLLYWOOD comes to rural Ireland in this tragi-comedy at the Salisbury Playhouse, which tells the story of two extras desperate to make it to the big time, but nothing in production is quite as it seems.

The excitement of being part of a Hollywood film soon starts to wane dramatically as life on set and off unfolds in unexpected ways.

Shaun Blaney and Gerard McCabe star as ‘Jake Quinn’ and ‘Charlie Conlon’ performing 15 roles between them with seamless transitions as they transform from one character to the next. The facial expressions, altered movements, voice changes and adjustment to clothes made it easy to comprehend which character was now centre-stage.

With only two actors in the play, the spotlight was on their acting skills and ability to draw the audience into scenes and make them believable. They did not disappoint.

The stage scenery was basic with much use of props throughout but the show is also helped by its digital backdrop portraying film clips. The two main characters form a bond and are happy to be on set and surrounded by well-known actors. When Jake Quinn catches the eye of the female star in the production, (also played by him) both he and Charlie feel that this could be their ticket to bigger things.

Charlie had written a script. He was desperate to get it into the hands of the Hollywood director or the top female star. Jake has the opportunity to get the script seen but things do not go to plan.

From temptation, high expectations, and hope come shattered dreams and the harsh realisation of life, grief and remorse when an additional extra (also played by Shaun Blaney) ends his life.

It is a tragedy.

The high-energy scenes turn to grief and remorse with guilt and blame coming to the fore. A gulf opens between Jake and Charlie.

The audience experienced the full gamut of emotions, but as in real life, there is light, shade and at times, darkness.

Written by playwright Marie Jones, the connection between contrasting scenes seamlessly links so the rollercoaster of emotions ripples through the audience. There is no time to think, only to feel and to be drawn further into the story.

The play dips in and out of the sadder moments but mostly, it is a high-energy fast-evolving drama timed perfectly and drawing the audience in. For much of the time, the audience laughed out loud at the witty comments, the inferences and full-on Irish dancing.

Stones in his Pockets is an imaginative snapshot of ‘behind the scenes’ at a glossy Hollywood film production, and the writer reveals the gritty underbelly of real life within an industry that is not all tinsel and razzmatazz.

It is funny, dark, uplifting, and at times, sad, but mostly, it is two and a half hours of captivating acting at its best.

Nominated best actor at the Irish Theatre awards for his portrayal of Gerry Conlon, Shaun Blaney’s acting credits include Cyprus Avenue (The Tron Glasgow) and Rhino (Tinderbox Belfast).

Fellow actor Gerard McCabe’s stage credits include Pride and Prejudice and The Jungle Book (Lyric Theatre Belfast) A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Blue Remembered Hills (Bruiser Theatre Company.)

Directed by Matthew McElhinney (son of writer Marie Jones and original director of the play Ian McElhinney), it was beautifully crafted and performed and the actors received a well-deserved standing ovation.

This is a must-see production of the highest standard.