Our Stones - A Peek At Rehearsals

Our Stones is an on line mini series by RTE Arts Correspondent Kevin Doherty.  As part of his exploration of Dramatic Arts in Rural Ireland he is following the cast and crew of an upcoming play – Stones In His Pockets.  The play, a comic tragedy by Marie Jones, is set in a small town in County Kerry.  

This week Kevin asked for an insight into rehearsals.  This is what he recieved


Next week Kevin accompanies the cast as they visit the theatre they will be performing the show.


Griffin Players Present Stones In His Pockets by Marie Jones from 6-8 October 2016 at TADS Theatre in Toddington.  Tickets are available at www.griffinplayers.com

Our Stones by Kevin Doherty - An Interview with the Cast

Our Stones is an on line mini series by RTE Arts Correspondent Kevin Doherty.  As part of his exploration of Dramatic Arts in Rural Ireland he is following the cast and crew of an upcoming play – Stones In His Pockets.  The play, a comic tragedy by Marie Jones, is set in a small town in County Kerry.  This week Kevin interviews the cast.

Kevin: Could you tell our readers a little about yourself?

John O': Well actually I come from a rather big Irish family. My mother was from Enniscorthy in Wexford, My father like many true Irish men was born and raised in North London, but he still loves a pint of Guinness! His father was from Kerry, and between them they have helped me develop the character, accent and drinking skills required for this role!

Alex: Like JohnO my mother was from Ireland, she was born and raised on a farm in Norther Ireland until the family moved to Swindon when she was a teenager.  I have always loved theatre and I tend not to take the world too seriously, but I am due to get married later this year. 

Kevin: You have both played a range of roles, which has been your favourite? (could you also provide a list of some to mention)

John O': To take on such a number or roles in one play (I think 7 altogether) obviously I need to draw on my experiences from previous roles. Whilst a lot of people have suggested tapping into my various Panto characters to draw inspiration, I am looking on my roles of Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps, Jack Worthing in the Importance Of Being Earnest, and of course townsperson 15 in the Witches of Eastiwick - being my favourite roles, I believe they will provide the inspiration I need.  In the former 2roles, I was actually directed by Bekka Prideaux, so these have helped prepare me for the process I will go through working with such a progressive, pragmatic and pro-biotic director.

Alex: I have had the good fortune to play roles from corpses to panto dames to Kings.  I have always enjoyed the comedic characters such as Norman in Table Manners and the Policeman in 'Allo 'Allo, most, but do also enjoy the challenge of a more serious role such as Richard the Lion Heart from Lion in Winter. so I am looking forward to pulling on all my previous role to play all the characters that the brilliantly bodacious Bekka is asking me to play

Kevin: What attracted you to the role?

John O': I believe the personal challenge of working on so many characters within one play, with so many different accents, is very exciting. Also working with Alex I believe will be an unparalleled experience. It was also nice that I got the part - if I auditioned and wasn't offered the part I believe it would have not been as attractive.

Alex:  I was lonely and welcoming 8 characters and the rest of the team into my world sounded good.  I knew of the play and have always been intrigued by the challenge presented by the multi roll scripts such as this. 

Kevin: What do you think of Ireland?

John O': Ireland is truly one of the most stunning and exciting places I have ever been. I love the people who have always made me feel at home even though I'm an outsider. Although a word to the wise, don't bring too many pairs of shorts when you visit as you will not need them!

Alex: .I will be possibly controversial and enjoyed their whiskey and having been to N Ireland a few times I have always found great joy in its beauty only surpassed by looking at my fiancée.

Kevin: What can we expect from you in Stones in His Pockets

John O': I believe acting, comedy, humour, some serious moments, and hopefully the right lines!

Alex: Beyond dubious accents, and scenes of a manic nature I am hoping that it will all come together into a highly enjoyable event for audience.


Next week Kevin asks Director Bekka Prideaux to share a short insight into how rehearsals are going.

Griffin Players Present Stones In His Pockets by Marie Jones from 6-8 October 2016 at TADS Theatre in Toddington.  Tickets are available at www.griffinplayers.com

Our Stones by Kevin Doherty - An Interview with the Director

Our Stones is an on line mini series by RTE Arts Correspondent Kevin Doherty.  As part of his exploration of Dramatic Arts in Rural Ireland he is following the cast and crew of an upcoming play – Stones In His Pockets.  The play, a comic tragedy by Marie Jones, is set in a small town in County Kerry.  Kevin starts by interviewing Director Bekka Prideaux

Kevin: Bekka, you are probably best known for your productions at the Little Theatre in Dunstable, but it has been a while since we say you in the director’s chair.  What persuaded you to come back for this production?

Bekka:  The short answer would Katy Eliott, Chair of Griffin Players.  Like most things in my world it started with coffee!  We ended up talking about shows and she told me about the show and said that following my successful production of Patrick Balrlow’s The 39 Steps, the committee had asked her to talk me about it.   Having given Katy lots of reasons why I couldn’t do it I agreed to read the script – she is very persistent.  When I did I fell in love with it and I am thrilled to be bringing this show to life.

Kevin: Is this the first time you have worked with The Griffin Players?

Bekka: It is my first time as Director for them, but I have helped out backstage with many of their shows and been assistant director on a couple, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and The Vicar Of Dibley.

Kevin: What is the show about?

Bekka: On one level it is the story of a village that has been taken over by a Hollywood film crew.  The locals and the crew have very different views of Ireland.  There are some amazingly funny moments created by this as well as some tragic ones as we see the impact the film crew has on the village.   On a deeper level it is also the story of two people finding their vocation

Kevin:  What do you see as the main challenges with this show?

Bekka:  My initial concern was casting the show – all the characters we meet are played by just two actors, so they have to be very versatile!  Now we have cast our two wonderful actors, the biggest challenge is going to be creating all the distinctive characters that they play, each play a range of ages, people from a range of places and both male and female characters.   That and keeping the cast from making each other laugh – I have worked with them both before, so I know how challenging that is going to be!

Kevin: The show is set in Ireland, have you ever been?

Bekka: I have indeed, both for work and pleasure, and hope to visit the wonderful countryside and my many friends there again soon.

Kevin: What can we expect if we come to see the show?

Bekka:  You can expect to laugh, to cry and to see two brilliant performers who will take you into their world, make you welcome and ensure you enjoy your time on the film set with them.

In the next episode Kevin interviews the cast of the show.

Griffin Players Present Stones In His Pockets by Marie Jones from 6-8 October 2016 at TADS Theatre in Toddington.  Tickets are available at www.griffinplayers.com