Audition Notice

Stones in His Pockets by Marie Jones

Directed by Harry Atkinson

Sunday 21st August, 6pm

For more information, audition pieces and to book an audition slot, please contact Harry on atkinsonwilliam2003@yahoo.co.uk.

Production Dates

25th - 29th October 2022 (5 performances)

Rehearsals

Start on 4th September, days and times tbc.

About the Play

We will be making extensive use of image projection and music in this tragicomedy to create the look and feel of rural Ireland. Set in County Kerry, Stones In His Pockets tells the story of how a small town becomes wrapped up in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood as the big stars and a host of technical/support staff arrive. The idea behind the film is to create an authentic picture of rural Ireland and thus most of the locals are cast as extras.

When tragedy takes hold within the small town, the impact of the production on the local community quickly becomes apparent with Tinseltown's romanticised idea of rural Ireland a long way from reality. The tragedy comes in the form of the suicide of the young Sean Harkin who drowns himself with “stones in his pockets” after being rejected as an extra by the film company.

Two male actors play the characters of Jake Quinn and Charlie Conlon who, between them, play thirteen other characters male and female, to highlight the clash of values and cultures when the tragedy strikes.

Convincing Irish accents will be required, but coaching/support will be on hand if needed. Note: other accents will also be required from Gen Am, Scottish, to RP English and Cockney.

You do not have to be a member of the company to audition, but if you are cast you must join.

Characters

Charlie Conlon Charlie is the former owner of a failed video store. He has a movie script in his back pocket that he hopes will win some consideration from the movie people. He is relegated to a faceless background role, and his script is never even considered by anyone. 30s-50s.

Jake Quinn Jake has recently returned from a short and very unsuccessful stay in New York. Jake has the notion that he might become a film star. Instead, as an extra, he is relegated to digging turf as a “background bog man.” 30s-50s

Characters played by Charlie and Jake:

Simon: The first assistant director on the set, Simon is just trying to get the film shot on time.

Aisling: The third assistant director, Aisling is young, pretty, and anxious to impress those above her, especially Simon and Clem. She has no interest in those beneath her, especially the local extras.

Micky Riordan: A local in his seventies, Mickey is one of the few surviving extras in The Quiet Man, John Wayne’s seminal Hollywood-in-Ireland movie shot in this same region of the country many years ago. As such, he thinks he knows best how the extras should act to keep their jobs and their “forty quid per day.”

Clem: The movie director, Clem is a stuffy Englishman with little or no understanding of the local community.

Sean Harkin: A dreamy, local lad, Sean’s dreams are continually dashed until he commits suicide partway through the play.

Finn: Another young local, Finn is Sean’s friend.

Caroline Giovanni: The beautiful but flighty American star, Caroline thinks she understands Ireland and its people, but it soon becomes evident that her knowledge and caring are about as real as her poor accent.

John:  Caroline’s accent coach.

Brother Gerard: A local teacher.

Dave: A Cockney crew member.

Jock Campbell: Caroline’s Scottish security man.

BLT actively encourages auditionees from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities and any of the above parts could be played by any race.