ONE of the most highly acclaimed comedies of recent years, Stones in his Pockets, which describes the culture clash when Hollywood descends on rural Ireland, visits Malvern next week.

Having recently celebrated its third year in London's West End and picked up an Olivier Award for best comedy along the way, the play written by actress-writer Marie Jones has now embarked on a long awaited national and international tour.

Set in an Irish village in County Kerry, it tells the story, through the eyes of two extras - Charlie Conlon and Jake Quinn - of what happens when a Hollywood film crew moves in. Partly based on Marie's acting experiences in films shot in Ireland, the audience is introduced to 15 different roles - including a spoilt American starlet, a director and the last remaining extra from The Quiet Man - all played by just two actors.

Born in Belfast, Marie was writer in residence for Charbanc Theatre Company from 1983-1990. Her work includes The Hamster Wheel and Fighting with Shadows (both screened on BBC TV) and she has toured extensively.

Bringing the play's host of characters to life are two actors, Malcolm Adams and Hugh Lee.

Malcolm Adams returned to Dublin after a break from his performance in the one-man play Harry's Christmas, written by Steven Berkoff.

Hugh Lee has performed with the RSC in The Two Gentlemen of Verona in the West End as well as a host of other plays.

- Stones in his Pockets plays Malvern Festival Theatre from Monday, November 11 until Saturday, November 16. Tickets £22-£16. Box office 01684 892277.