A classic play revisited and refreshed

21 January 2012

Grand Opera House, Belfast

Monday-Saturday, January 23-28, Various times

Marie Jones' award-winning Stones In His Pockets play is given a bit of a tweak in Indhu Rubasingham's production, which comes to the Grand Opera House hot from the Tricycle Theatre in London.

Indhu and Marie have worked together on this new version of the play, which Marie revisited to bring it back to basics.

"With all the hype it had been completely billed as a comedy but there are so many other layers to it, which got a bit lost," said Indhu. "Marie wasn't asking me to reproduce the hit, she was asking me to go back to the beginning and re-examine the play, which is much more interesting and fresh. One minute it makes you laugh and the next it kicks you in the teeth."

The story takes place in a small community in Co Kerry, which is turned upside down by the arrival of a Hollywood film crew. There are more than 15 characters, from local lads to the female star of the movie - all played by two actors.

Stones was, of course, the play which propelled actors Conleth Hill and Sean Campion into the big time. Here, Owen McDonnell and Jamie Beamish are set to take the honours in an evening which will have audiences laughing and crying at the same time.

For tickets and further information, visit www.goh.co.uk or tel: 028 9024 1919.