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