Lancashire Evening Post
10th Sept. 2002

Deceit and conceit create
high jinks on film set

Review of Stones in his Pockets
The Lowry, Salford

On the giant Lowry main stage this is very much a widescreen version of the awarding-winning Irish comedy...so it is. That it loses nothing of its humorous intimacy is purely down to the two-strong cast of Malcolm Adams and Hugh Lee. But then what else could any pair of self-respecting actors do than revel in the chance to play 14 characters caught up in the shenanigans of a Hollywood blockbuster being filmed in a County Kerry village?

Marie Jones' story , which cheekily nods towards Notting Hill on occassions, uses the deceit of film-making and adds it to the highly theatrical conceit of actors 'doubling' their roles to come up with a fast and funny story. The sheer vitality and honesty of the play has already earned plaudits on both sides of the Atlantic but Messrs Adams and Lee manage to make it look as shiny and fresh as its first performance four years ago. Between them they melt into charaters ranging from the starlet to her director, besides several other 'fil-um' characters, switching gender or age with unerring ease.
As a master-class in acting technique alone it is worth the price of the admission. Even after the show-stopping point at which the pair dance a wedding jig, and the play dips towards pathos, it can only be recommended. Stones in his Pockets continues until Saturday.

-David Upton

Malvern Gazette
Stones in his Pockets
Review: Malvern Theaters
Friday, 15th November 2002

Irish actors Malcolm Adams and Hugh Lee do a fantastic job of keeping the tempo and playing for laughs in the latest showing at the Malvern Theaters this week. Written by Belfast born playwright Marie Jones, Stones in his Pockets takes the michael out of hollywood's penchant for borrowing Ireland's finest assets to make epic films, while showing the darker side of its people.
As well as portraying two young extras on the latest shoot to use the Emerald Isle as a backdrop, Adams and Lee step into character as film director, producer, female star and locals. One of those is an old man, whose family once owned the land being used for the filming, and whose extra roles go as far back as The Quiet Man starring John Wayne in 1947.
For both actors, a wonderfully exaggerated use of facial and bodily expressions means they embody each character fully and make it easy for the audience to switch from role to role. Both really come into their own playing female roles, with Lee's hair-flicking, light skipping and finger twiddling making him incredibly camp but convincing as Aisling, the ambitious, faux sincere production assistant in charge of extras. Adams' fixed grin and sultry postures also make him incredibly funny in his sexually overt portrayal of Caroline Giovanni, the film's famous American star.
The pair definitely help make Stones in his Pockets one to see. It is showing at Malvern Theaters tonight and tomorrow (evening and matinee)

-Ally Hardy

The Wiltshire Times
Friday, December 6, 2002

The Show must go on Stones In His Pockets
Theatre Royal, Bath

When the charm and familiarity of an Irish community comes face-to-face with the glitz of a Hollywood film company - the result is pure dynamite. Marie Jones' brilliantly penned Stones In His Pockets is an inspiring tale of how even in the depths of despair there is always a way out and a way forward.
Actors Hugh Lee and Malcolm Adams put on a demonstration of sheer physical endurance as they take on the play's 12 roles between them - brilliantly interchanging between characters by a subtle change in stance or a swap in accent.
When a film crew comes to County Kerry it sends the locals into fits of hyperactivity - the chance of earning $40 a day is too much for some to comprehend. But the real effects are far more tragic as despondent locals are forced to face up to opportunities missed and unrealised dreams, ultimately leading to a young man's heartbreaking suicide. Jake and Charlie are the main orchestrators - leading us into the heart of the Irish village. Their journey from happy-go-lucky dropouts to genuine film extras is, at times, hilarious.
But the comic genius lies in Lee's portrayal of chirpy production assistant Aisling - whose camp cries of "settle, please, settle" directed at hopeless extras, sparking waves of laughter. Similiarly Adams' take on American film star Caroline Giovanni - the self-obsessed and alluring lead actress - is of equal star quality. Caroline's wanton seduction of rough diamond Jake is about as subtle as a drag queen - a dressing gown opening sequence literally brings tears to the eyes.
As the funeral of young suicide victim Sean Harkin clashes with the last day of filming, the extras are forced to delve into their hearts to think about their priorities - a dig maybe at how Hollywood film companies will exploit any community at any price. The show must go on ethos very much in force here. Stones In His Pockets is breatless entertainment with a feast of laughs laced around a heartrending core. For those who think two actors cannot perform 12 roles simultaneously and make a success of it - think again!

-Craig Evry

South Wales Argus
Stones in his Pockets
New Theatre, Cardiff

Winner of the 2001 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy, Marie Jones' play is a magical piece both in the quality of the writing and in performance. The story is set in a small village in County Kerry, Ireland. A major Hollywood studio decide to film in the area and so many extras, mainly local people, are needed for the movie. The story centers on two of the extras Charlie Conlon and Jake Quinn, whose desires, hopes and fears are exposed.
What makes this play compelling is that it contains 14 characters played by just two actors, Malcolm Adams and Hugh Lee, and they do an incredible job. As the play progressed, I soon became used to the individual characters so much so that at times I completely forgot they were being played by the same person. At the end it felt as though there had been 14 actors on stage not just two.
Thought provoking, witty, moving and superbly directed and acted this play offers more than plenty to entertain and move an audience for two hours and well deserves the acclaim it has received. The show runs until Saturday.

-Catherine Cook

Lincolnshire Echo

West End hit comes to town
Review by Jenny Eastwood

Stones in his Pockets at the Lincoln Theater Royal is a triumph of simplicity and great acting. A minimal set and just two actors manage to successfully recreate an entire Hollywood film set and rural Irish town. Without pausing for breath, actors Malcolm Adams and Hugh Lee play more than 15 characters, from actresses to priests, in this delightful tale of the power of friendship and community. Adams and Lee play Charlie Conlon and Jake Quinn respectively, two extras in a Hollywood blockbuster, the Quiet Valley, that is being filmed in a small Irish town. The two characters meet and form a solid bond of friendship within the glamour of the film set. But it soon becomes clear to the men that the Hollywood world is not all they expected it to be.
The camarderie on stage between Adams and Lee is a delight to watch. Every character change and set alteration carried out appears seamless and without complication. The bitter-sweet edge to the play is judged accordingly and the comedy never detracts from the very touching plot. Adams' portrayal of the film's leading lady, Caroline Giovanni, steals every scene she is in as does Lee's performance as Old Mickey, one of the last surviving extras from the original Quiet Man. Stones in his Pockets is a West End triumph that recieved the Olivier award for best comedy.
The calibre of the acting talent, writing and direction was apparent from start to finish. It is rare that a standing ovation occurs in British theater but, last night, it was obvious by the rapturous applause and several curtain calls that the audience were close to doing so. Stones in his Pockets is showing in Lincoln until Saturday as part of a national tour.

The Lowry
Stones in his pockets
9-14 September

Theater stripped bare enjoys a welcome revival at the Lowry this week with Marie Jones' West End hit, Stones in his Pockets...This charming tale of fifteen very different people is performed by just two very talented actors, Malcolm Adams and Hugh Lee. The play is set in County Kerry, a sleepy and beautiful part of Ireland, where the locals are swept up by the excitement and glamour brought by a glitzy Hollywood film crew. Jake Quinn and Charie Conlon are two local lads who take jobs as extras on set, the money's not bad and they get fed every day, they are also dazzled by the beauty of the "fil-um" star, Caroline Giovanni. However, events take a tragic turn when a local lad commits suicide.
Complexity vs simplicity runs throughout and the minimalist set places the emphasis on the action. A bit of concentration is required at first to get used to the multitude of characters, but before very long you look forward to their appearance, particularly the breathy Giovanni and the egocentric movie dierctor, Clem Curtis.
Malcolm Adams and Hugh Lee are tragic, beautiful, egotistical and comical, effortlessly gliding through character changes with little more than a turn of the head.

Reviewd by Louise Huntington for Manchester on Stage

Stones in his Pockets
Birmingham Rep
August 19th - August 31st, 2002
Reviewed by Andy Knowles

A confession: my love affair with all things Irish began over 22 years ago when I was first welcomed into the bosom of my Sligo-born wife's large family. Various visits to the Emerald Isle since have only served to intensify my love (both for her and her country!) Hence it was with great anticipation that I (and my wife) took our seats in (another) full house at the Rep. After all, Stones' reputation had long preceded its arrival in Birmingham where it launches the Rep's new season. Billed as a "multi-award winning West End and Broadway show" with national reviews to die for, my anticipation was duly whetted - and to top it all, it's Irish! And guess what - it not only lives up to the pre-show hype and hysteria, it exceeds all expectations. To put it succinctly - it's great craic!
Marie Jones' ingenious and witty play is based on a major Hollywood film company who descend on a small village in County Kerry (are there any other sort?) with the offer of 40 pounds a day (plus food) to the locals to work as extras. Central to the storyline are two of these extras - Charlie and Jake, who yearn for something from life, and as the play progresses, all their hopes, fears and desires are vividly exposed.
Malcolm Adams plays Charlie and Hugh Lee plays Jake, but their involvement doesn't end there - for what makes this play so unique is that they also fill all of the other dozen or so roles - ranging from the sexy American star to the burly minder, the ageing teacher and egotistical director. All done without a single costume change!
It's gross improvisation and vivid characterisation at its most innovative best and brilliantly carried off by two splendid performers. The transition from one character to another is instantaneous and seamless and all done by a change of tone, posture, facial expressions and mannerisms. It takes you (the audience) a while to get used to the idea, but realisation and recognition meet - and believe me it doesn't take that long - it's all entirely believeable. Messers Adams and Lee are simply superb. It's a tireless performance by two talented actor/improvisers who hold the stage for a full two hours, swapping character for character by the swivel of a hip, the dropping of a shoulder or the raising of an eyebrow. The play demands enormous energy from the pair, and their's never falters.
Ms Jones' writing has produced a simple play, humorous to the extreme, but laced with semtamentality and a major dose of tragedy - all ingredients for a theatrical triumph. "People don't go to the movies to get depressed" says Charlie (or was it Jake?) "they go to the theatre..." Not in this instance, gentlemen! A magical night at the Rep - and yes, my wife loved it too!

www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/theatre