Our Stones - An Important Rehearsal Visitor

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. 

There are now less than 8 week's until Alex C Brewer and John O'Leary take to the stage as Charlie and Jake in Marie Jones' comic tragedy.  Rehearsals can be hard work with such a small team and the cast received a welcome boost when Neil Paskin, a member of the alternate cast for the 2005 professional tour of the show.

At the time Neil described the play as 'one of the trickiest and most daunting plays I've ever performed in' and 'a pleasure to both watch and perform in'

Neil played Jake on the tour and the cast were certainly impressed at how many of the lines he could remember, although Alex is getting a bit fed up of being the only person who does not know his opening speech after Neil rolled out Charlies lines as easily as the ones that had been his own!

The cast had all sorts of questions for Neil about how he had approached the show and what the challenges had been.  His answers filled them with energy as they all worked on some of the characters together.

Director, Bekka Prideaux, said the visit had been invaluable and that they all really appreciated Neil giving up his Saturday morning to work with them.  

Watching Neil work with the cast was a pleasure and I loved watching the characters appear and disappear before me.  I am looking forward to seeing more as the rehearsal period continues.

Join me next week as I take a look at the play's history

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.co.uk