Nearly three decades after its debut, Marie Jones’ STONES IN HIS POCKETS continues to strike a chord with audiences worldwide, its razor-sharp commentary on Hollywood’s patronizing portrayal of Ireland as relevant today as it was in the 1990s. The latest production, currently running at Cork’s Everyman Theatre, brings this enduring classic full circle in the most unexpected way possible—as a genuine family affair that showcases not just the play’s timeless appeal, but also the remarkable trajectory of one of Northern Ireland’s most respected acting dynasties.
At the heart of this production’s unique appeal is the involvement of Ian McElhinney, the veteran actor whose recent years have seen him transition from respected character actor to household name. While many know him as the stern patriarch Grandda Joe McCool in the beloved DERRY GIRLS, McElhinney’s career spans decades of distinguished work across stage and screen. His surprise cameo appearance in *Stones In His Pockets*, alongside his wife Marie Jones herself, adds an unexpected layer of authenticity to a play that has always been about the intersection of performance and reality.
McElhinney’s presence in the production feels particularly poignant given his own journey through the entertainment industry. Having built his reputation through meticulous character work in productions ranging from GAME OF THRONES to countless Irish theatre productions, he understands intimately the world Jones created—one where local talent is often reduced to stereotypical roles while outsiders profit from romanticized versions of Irish culture. His cameo, brief though it may be, carries the weight of an actor who has navigated both sides of this equation throughout his career.
The production itself, directed by Matthew McElhinney (Jones’ son), attempts to modernize the classic with digital projection backdrops and contemporary references, though these updates create an occasionally jarring disconnect. While the insertion of Amazon Prime references feels forced alongside the play’s otherwise period sensibilities, the core story remains devastatingly effective. Gerard McCabe and Shaun Blaney deliver bravura performances as Charlie and Jake, the two extras whose dreams and disillusionment drive the narrative forward. McCabe’s transformation into the flirtatious leading lady Caroline Giovanni with nothing more than an imaginary hair flick demonstrates the kind of theatrical magic that makes this play endure.
Yet it’s the tragic undercurrent that gives STONES IN HIS POCKETS its lasting power. Beneath the comedy lies a story about economic desperation, rural decline, and the human cost of being treated as disposable. The play’s title references a heartbreaking event that serves as the emotional climax, and while this production doesn’t quite nail the tonal shift from comedy to pathos, the underlying themes remain potent. The fictional film-within-a-play, THE QUIET VALLEY, serves as a perfect metaphor for how Irish culture is often packaged and sold back to the world as something quaint and harmless.
The production’s most satisfying moment comes in its final flourish—a trailer for Charlie and Jake’s own movie featuring several well-known faces, providing the kind of Hollywood ending that feels both earned and subversive. It’s a reminder that STONES IN HIS POCKETS has always been about more than cultural commentary; it’s about the universal human desire for recognition and the stories we tell ourselves about success.
For Ian McElhinney, whose recent career renaissance has included everything from the blood-soaked political machinations of GAME OF THRONES to the gentle humor of DERRY GIRLS, this return to Marie Jones’ work represents a homecoming of sorts. His involvement, however brief, connects the play’s original vision with its contemporary relevance, bridging the gap between the Ireland of thirty years ago and the one audiences see today.
As STONES IN HIS POCKETS continues its run at the Everyman Theatre through August 10th, it serves as both entertainment and time capsule, a reminder that some stories transcend their original moment to become permanent fixtures in our cultural landscape. With the McElhinney family’s involvement, this production becomes something more—a testament to the enduring power of Irish storytelling and the artists who continue to shape it across generations.
🖤⚡️ JESSIE BUCKLEY IS COMING BACK TO LIFE! ⚡️🖤
Ireland`s Irish powerhouse transforms into a Gaga-esque flapper brought back to life as the companion of Christian Bale`s creature in Maggie Gyllenhaal`s electrifying new take on THE BRIDE!
New trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
🌟 From THE WITCHER to DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS to EVERYTHING NOW.
Dublin`s @niamhhmccormack_ has been quietly building one of the most impressive portfolios in Irish acting.
Don`t miss her in HOUSE OF GUINNESS, now streaming on @netflix.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🌊 When Oscar-nominated Stephen Rea (THE CRYING GAME, MICHAEL COLLINS, V FOR VENDETTA) lends his legendary voice to a haunting tale of shipwreck and survival, you know something magical is about to happen.
📍 @irishculturalcentre, Hammersmith
🗓️ November 8-9 ONLY
🎭 Don`t miss this exclusive London run!
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🎬 Cillian Murphy is absolutely unstoppable right now!
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THE WEIR is haunting London`s Harold Pinter Theatre until 6 Dec, and it`s pure magic. Brendan Gleeson makes his West End debut alongside an incredible cast in Conor McPherson`s modern masterpiece - with the playwright himself directing for the first time!
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🏆 IRISH TALENT TAKES TORONTO!
Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal just won BIG at TIFF with HAMNET - snagging the People`s Choice Award that`s basically an Oscar crystal ball ✨
More at irishfilmtv.com.
From strolling London`s Highbury Fields to stepping into Paul McCartney`s shoes 🎸✨
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🔥 When Margot Robbie had a "suspicion" her chemistry with Colin Farrell would work in A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY... she was absolutely right! ✨
These two icons dive into Kogonada`s A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY where strangers Sarah and David rent mysterious cars that transport them through doorways to their childhood memories. Talk about a wild ride! 🚗💫
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Paul Mescal and Josh O`Connor playing LIE vs LIE is the chaotic energy we didn`t know we needed 😂
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Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
Netflix has assembled a powerhouse Irish cast for their upcoming adaptation of Marian Keyes` bestselling novel GROWN UPS.
Sarah Greene (BAD SISTERS) leads alongside Barry Ward, Aisling Bea (THIS WAY UP), Robert Sheehan (UMBRELLA ACADEMY), Adrian Dunbar (LINE OF DUTY) and more incredible talent ✨
This 8-part series follows the chaotic Casey family as they navigate grief, love, and the messy reality of being "grown up".
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Cillian Murphy`s Oscar win for OPPENHEIMER wasn`t just a personal triumph — it was the moment Hollywood finally recognized what the Irish have known all along.
Catch him next in STEVE—in theatres September 19th, streaming on Netflix October 3rd.
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🍪 Watch as Domhnall Gleeson spills the tea (literally) about his Penguin biscuit childhood trauma and prepping for his role as Ned Sampson in THE PAPER!
From biscuit confessions to character deep dives - this chat had us hanging on every word.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🎭 Ireland`s finest is now diving into Shakespeare! ✨
At TIFF, Mescal revealed he personally convinced Chloé Zhao to adapt the film after falling in love with the novel. The story? Shakespeare`s grief over losing his son Hamnet becomes the inspiration for HAMLET 💔
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* NEW TRAILER ALERT *
🍺 From the creator of PEAKY BLINDERS comes Netflix`s most intoxicating drama yet!
HOUSE OF GUINNESS drops September 25th, serving up the dark secrets behind Ireland`s most famous brewing dynasty.
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This powerful11-minute journey through Ireland`s `90s acid house scene is finding its rhythm with audiences everywhere.
Full details and trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
