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