WHEN a major Hollywood film studio descends on a village in rural Ireland, the demand for extras from the local community is huge.

Giving you the premise for Stones In His Pockets, where the absurdities involved in making a film are observed from the worm's-eye view of Charlie and Jake, two of the so-called 'actors' taken on board.

Billed as a comedy, it is set in a village in County Kerry, an area which has been the location for several Hollywood blockbusters, most notably John Ford's The Quiet Man starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara.

But the most remarkable aspect of this award winning production - which hits Worcester's Swan Theatre tonight - is that the whole cast is played by just two actors, Christopher Patrick Nolan and Martin Jenkins.

"We play something like 16 characters between us as well as the two main roles," said Nolan, who apologised for his ambling name, explaining "it's an equity thing".

"There are no costume changes or make up, it's all done using body language and subtle changes in voice and movement.

"It's a magical piece of theatre involving a lot of work and rehearsals which is all about timing."

Nolan, alias Jake Quinn, cut his teeth on the play, which has adorned stages across the world, in the West End before joining the touring company in January.

Getting his head around the multitude of characters, including directors, assistants, extras, the beautiful diva star Caroline, the crew and other locals, was a mighty task but at least the actor of five years had his Irish blood to fall back on.

"I'm from County Offaly which is not a far cry from the village this is set in and can therefore use my personal experience to a certain extent," he said.

"The play is billed as a comedy but there's also a kind of meaningful side to it. I don't want to give too much away but in the second half it gets a bit darker.

"Just when you think you're having a good time the rug is pulled from under your feet.

"The end's quite an uplifting one though."

Stones In His Pockets has won numerous accolades, including the Laurence Olivier award and the Evening Standard Award for Best Comedy, and is partly based on writer Marie Jones' experience of acting roles in films shot in Ireland. Jones also won a special Award for her Outstanding Contribution to the Cultural Life of Northern Ireland.

Tonight's performance at The Swan starts at 7.30pm, and there are two tomorrow at 3 and 7.30pm. Tickets, from £9 are available on 01905 611427.

Jones also won a special Award for her Outstanding Contribution to the Cultural Life of Northern Ireland from Belfast City Council and the Literature Award from the Irish Post.