When a Hollywood film crew arrives in a quiet rural village in 1990s Ireland, life for the locals is turned upside down. Promises of glamour and opportunity quickly give way to cultural clash, power imbalance and unexpected consequences — all seen through the eyes of two ordinary men hired as film extras.

Stones in His Pockets is a fast-paced, multi-award-winning Irish comedy-drama that combines sharp humour with devastating emotional impact.

With breathtaking skill and agility, just two actors portray fifteen vividly drawn characters, leaping between ages, genders, accents and nationalities using minimal costume and prop changes. The result is theatrical storytelling at its most inventive and exhilarating. 

Presented by Waiheke On Stage, this production is directed by Janis McArdle and features Simon Deighton and Avi Duckor Jones, all making their debut at Q Theatre following a highly successful season at Artworks Theatre on Waiheke Island. Their acclaimed Waiheke run drew praise for its energy, clarity and emotional depth, cementing this production as one not to miss.

Although set in rural Ireland in the 1990s, Stones in His Pockets transcends time and place. Its exploration of big money, cultural misunderstanding and the human cost of exploitation resonates strongly with New Zealand audiences. With so many Kiwis connected to Irish heritage — and many more familiar with the impact of global forces on small communities — the story feels both deeply personal and universally relevant.

By turns humorous and heartbreaking, Stones in His Pockets is ultimately a story of friendship, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity — a powerful reminder of theatre’s ability to entertain, challenge, and move us all.

 

Audience Warning: Not recommended for children under 13 unless accompanied by a parent or caregiver. The play deals with the aftermath of suicide.