A Bunch of Amateurs

Adapted from the film of the same name this play was only recently released to amateurs. It was pleasing to see Second Thoughts had elected to open their 2018 programme with it.

The play centres around Jefferson Steele a fading Hollywood actor who accepts the role of King Lear in Stratford. However, on arrival in England he discovers it’s not Stratford upon Avon, but Stratford St John in Suffolk. Added to this the venue is a converted barn rather than the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.  What’s more the remaining cast are ‘a bunch of amateurs’ rather than Kenneth Branagh and Dame Judi Dench.

Opening with a poorly attended meeting the failing Stratford Players, the local am dram group, embark on bringing a star to save the day. They are not however quite prepared for the arrival of Jefferson played superbly by Pete Cubitt. His characterisation was excellent whether playing the superstar ego or, initially, maybe the worse Shakespearean actor ever.  The lines were delivered faultlessly making the best of the hilarious script such as when describing a host of ‘uppers’ and ‘downers’ he was taking, wanting to make changes to the work of the Bard or making totally unrealistic demands.

In ore of Jefferson were Nick Bate as Denis Dobbins the local handyman / plumber and Jane Grafton as Mary Plukett the landlady of the bed and breakfast where he was logging. Both played their parts well and with conviction especially Jane with her continual mention of films not staring Jefferson.  Brian Emeney as Nigel Dewbury the stereotypical amateur actor played the part to the uppermost especially when portraying him in his day job as a solicitor.

The other characters Dorothy Nettle played by Rachel Alcock – director of the Strafford Players, Stacey Warner as Lauren Bell – physiotherapist and wife of the sponsor and Vanessa Gravestock as Jessica Steel – Jefferson’s neglected daughter, completed the line-up and played their parts well.  

The staging for the production which has numerous changes, were simple but nevertheless effective. The lighting was also well considered especially during the ‘performance’ of King Lear making the most of lighting small groups of actors. The costumes during these scenes were of good quality and fitting.  

There were a couple of prop malfunctions including a mix up with newspapers. One having the scandal in it and the other the retraction, but these are minor points on an otherwise thoroughly entertaining production for which Nic Walsh as director should be proud.     

It was, as always, a pleasure to able to see a production performed by Second Thoughts and again as always thank you for the warm welcome. It was interesting to hear about your forthcoming programme and most certainly look forward to ‘Much Ado About Nothing’.

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