Find an alternative to traditional pantomime this Christmas and look ahead to a new production of Marie Jones’ acclaimed tragi-comedy ‘Stones in his Pockets’.
Eastern Angles is a Suffolk-based touring theatre company, working across the East of England. At their unique centre in Ipswich, audiences and artists interact, whilst their touring programme takes theatre direct to rural communities. They are renowned for their unique ability to perform almost anywhere, from aircraft hangars to tithe barns and from heritage sites to city centres.
Their Artistic Director, Jake Smith, joined the company in Summer 2023, and is looking forward to their Christmas production “I am really excited for my first Christmas with Eastern Angles and being part of the audience for this year’s Christmas production, a new spin on the classic Rumpelstiltskin. The show follows the miller’s daughter as she is locked in a tower and tasked with making good on her father’s boasts of spinning straw into gold. Help comes along in the mysteriously magical Rumplestiltskin – but gold doesn’t come cheap and there’s a rather unique price to pay.”
Dark forests, tall towers and nods to characters from across the fairytale world promise a golden festive treat for all the family to enjoy! Find out more and book your tickets.
In Spring 2024, Jake will be directing his first production for Eastern Angles – having previously worked as a freelance director at organisations including the National Theatre, Almeida Theatre and Chicester Festival Theatre, as well as is in the West End. “My first production is the tragi-comedy Stones in His Pockets, where in one evening two actors take on fifteen parts. It’s a really feel-good night out and looks at how a community can rise together in challenging times.”
The play is set in a rural town in County Kerry, which is overrun by a Hollywood film crew, and centres on two friends – Charlie and Jakes – who are employed as extras on the film. First shown in Belfast in 1996, Stones in his Pockets then moved onto Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival, before enjoying awards and critical acclaim in the West End and on Broadway. It has been revived at The Tricycle Theatre and as a touring production.
The Eastern Angles production of Stones in his Pockets will be touring across the region from mid-March until late May, including performances at Eastern Angles’ Ipswich neighbour the New Wolsey Theatre. Tour details and booking information will be available from December 2023, head to easternangles.co.uk for all the latest.
