Stones in His Pockets

It's always good to check out the local culture. And being a theatre artist....

Stones in His Pockets is an Ireland original. It's done well on the West End, and on Broadway, but it started here. A couple of minor Irish celebrities are currently touring it around the country, and it was in Cork tonight, just a short drive from where Erin and I are staying in Blarney. In fact, it was the first night in Cork, which meant the tickets were half price. And we got two of the last.

It was a great experience. I've been to the theatre in London, in Madrid, and all over the states, but this felt... authentic. Cork is a cultural hub, after Dublin it's the "second city" (does that make it Ireland's Chicago?) and this theatre felt important. The audience was pure local - I was even more conscious of my stick-out American accent. Also, half the audience chattered, whispered or otherwise made noise during the performance. A phone went off. We aren't the only ones.

But the show itself - about a small town in Ireland overrun by an American movie crew - felt utterly relevant. Both to Ireland, and to us. The actors were spot-on - two actors playing 30-some characters. Their American accents (on some of the characters) were better than any I'd ever heard in London.

A short drive back to small-town Blarney, a pint at the local pub, and back to the B&B. A nice night.

And yes, I did kiss the Blarney Stone, earlier in the day. Even though many might say it was redundant.