REVIEW: Stones In His Pockets - The Nuffield Southampton Theatres, Southampton.

15 characters, 3 accents, 2 genders all played by 2 male actors: this show is genius. A Hollywood film crew have journeyed to rural Irish countryside to capture the beautiful idealistic landscape as the backdrop. However, many of the sheltered country lads get caught up in the “Hollywood dream”, many becoming extras. The romanticised delusion fades to reality causing one of the locals to tragically kill himself, filling his pockets with stones. This heart-breaking story is comically told by central protagonists, Charlie Conlon and Jake Quinn played by Kevin Trainor and Owen Sharpe. Lindsay Posner’s production is hilarious yet emotionally charged, elegant and brilliant!

The set replicated the classic beauty of the Irish countryside. The painted backdrop of clouds combined with the undulating hills and the fixed set of faux grass created a dream-like sense of reality. The set was unchanging, with the dramatic use of lighting allowing location changes. This allowed the countryside to become the central part of the play and a continuous theme throughout the story, which is implicit to the narrative. The set included a central trunk which was adaptable, becoming a table, a bed or a suitcase. This functioned as a device to hold costume pieces and to use as a prop. The use of red lighting, at times, created a nightmarish quality, presenting the classic Hollywood lifestyle as flawed and even unbearable. This was contrasted with the warm white floods which usually illuminated the stage, constructed a more endearing and folktale style atmosphere. The stark white angle-grabbers used, created an overcast shadow on the face: this gave a sinister effect and allowed the expression of inner thoughts from the characters.

The entire story is presented by two actors who fluctuate between roles seamlessly. Despite my own initial prejudice, this actually doesn’t hinder the storyline at all; it actually encouraged you to concentrate on the specific characteristics of the characters rather than becoming lost in appearance or costume. It also allows room for comic interpretation and stereotyping which prevents the tragic story from over-riding the essence of the play. The variety of accent, gait and presence was immense, even as the actors danced they parodied each character effortlessly becoming harmonious. Because of the deep characterisations, costume changes were often unnecessary, except for perhaps a hat or a jacket.

My only criticism would have to be Kevin Trainor’s marginally dubious English accent. He often fluctuated, falling into the strong Irish dialect, then remembering his character and switching to a compellingly obvious Queen’s English voice. Although, I would not say this is necessarily a fault. Of course technically, yes, but actually I found it captivating and felt it allowed a more personable performance (and I found him to be particularly delightful.)

Stones In His Pockets is an easy recommendation. It's hilarious, alluring and completely gripping! A delightful tribute to Ireland.

Reviewer - Grace McNicholas
on - 25/3/19