Stones in his Pockets Theatre Royal, Bath

It is the week of Saint Patrick’s Day, it is Cheltenham week and Ireland play Wales in the Six Nations grand finale, so it is very timely for the award winning Irish play Stones in his Pockets to be playing at the Theatre Royal, Bath. And it does not disappoint. Funny, tragic, beautifully written and performed, this latest production of the play, which has delighted audiences all over the world and won several awards in its first 20 years, is hilarious, fast moving with immense acting.

Unbelievably, all 15 characters in this dark, funny tale from the backwater of County Kerry, are played by just two extraordinarily charming actors, Owen Sharpe and Kevin Trainor.

They both ooze charm and humour and they will delight audiences the length and breadth of the country.

The opening night audience on Monday loved it and gave both actors rapturous applause at the end.

It takes a brave playwright to build a comedy around a tragic teenage suicide and drug addiction, but Marie Jones pulls it off beautifully and sensitively in this quirky Irish play which has won two Olivier awards.

Set in a remote village, a Hollywood blockbuster is being filmed and many of the locals are working as extras.

This play pokes fun at the American view of the Emerald Isle, all jigs and leprechauns.

It centres on the characters of Jake and Charlie, extras on the film. Two hilarious misfits, they are earning £40 a day and getting free food from the catering van for being part of the crowd. They have to act like they are ‘thick’ but are anything but.

The pace is relentless and the first half flies by. The suicide of a teenager, who puts stones in his pockets to drown himself in the sea, creates a shock at the end of the first half.

It is a thoroughly engaging and delightful piece of theatre.

You will laugh out loud at the witty, cynical quips and you will also lament a view of Ireland a long time gone.

Stones in his Pockets continues at the Theatre Royal until Saturday, March 16.

For tickets ring 01225 448844 or visit www.theatreroyal.org.uk.