A darkly comic glimpse into the world of the film extra is to be given to audiences at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre in a revival of the award-winning play Stones In His Pockets. Set in a rural village in Ireland, life is changed when a Hollywood studio arrives to film an historical blockbuster. The mayhem which ensues is seen through the eyes of two extras on the film - Charlie and Jake - played by Gerard McCabe and Shaun Blaney.
Gerard McCabe in Stones in His Pockets (Picture: Alex Tabrizi) “It proves to be a tough four weeks for Charlie and Jake and the audience gets to have this affinity with the characters as they experience everything that happens to them,” said Gerard. When it was first produced 25 years ago, Stones in his Pockets ran in London’s West End for four years. It picked up both the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best New Comedy , as well as three Tony nominations on Broadway.
“This production has been completely updated,” said Gerard. “For example the original script would talk about video shops which no longer exist. “Also technology has changed which means that we can bring that into the production.
” As a result the scenes Charlie and Jake have been filming as extras can actually be shown on screens to the audience. “You get to see the rushes, as they call them” said Gerard. “That allows for some lovely comedy moments.
“The only issue is that we filmed all the scenes to be shown on screen over a year ago. We have been touring .
