Alternates Take Over in Stones Two-Hander

The stars of Marie Jones' hit two-hander, Stones in his Pockets, playing at the Duke of York's Theatre, will leave the West End production in December. Sean Campion and Conleth Hill, who between them play a cast of 15, will give their final performances on 16 December, and on 18 December, Louis Dempsey and Sean Sloan will take over the parts full time.

Stones in his Pockets opened at the Duke of York's on 21 August after a 13-week season at the New Ambassadors Theatre. It has just extended its run at the Duke of York's by four months and is taking bookings up to 28 April 2001. Dempsey and Sloan have been the alternate cast on the production since the final week at the New Ambassadors when they took over for a full week of performances.

The comedy takes place in a village in County Kerry where a Hollywood film crew has moved in to shoot a new blockbuster, with the villagers serving as extras and baffled bystanders. The two actors play 15 different roles between them, including the principals Jake and Charlie, the film's spoilt American starlet, the director, other members of the crew, extras and various locals. The play is inspired by Jones' own experience as an actor in films shot in Ireland, including 1993's In the Name of the Father, starring Daniel Day Lewis.

Stones in his PocketsNew Ambassadors Theatre in May of this year for a limited twelve-week season, but proved so popular that its run there was extended by a week before finding a new home at the Duke of York's. It continues to play to capacity - and often star-studded - audiences. The production is expected to transfer to Broadway in the new year.

The play won the award for Best Production at this year's Irish Theatre Awards, where Hill also scooped Best Actor for his performance. Marie Jones' other plays include Ruby, Women on the Verge of HRT and the sequel Women on the Verge Get a Life.

Stones in his Pockets