A Bunch of Amateurs

A BUNCH OF AMATEURS by Nick Newman and Ian Hislop is a play within a play: the play being King Lear.  An ailing amateur theatre group in Suffolk need to attract a bigger audience (and fight off developers from taking their theatre) so seek to employ a big star.   A fading Hollywood actor is deceived by his agent into accepting the role, in a production in Stratford but this Stratford has a St John suffix not Upon Avon!  Instead of working with A listers, he’s working with “A Bunch of Amateurs”. With a line up including an enthusiastic Director, starstruck B and B landlady and deadpan plumber Denis, what could possibly go wrong?   Throw in Solicitor Nigel (who thinks he should’ve got Lear), an errant daughter, and a glamorous PR and you’ve got an evening of great comic potential.

The stage design was impressively inventive. It depicted the village hall style theatre. Other locations, the B and B dining room and bedroom and Lear set were assembled quickly. The props were realistic and well used. Lear’s throne was worth a special mention. The costumes were in keeping with the story. There was great attention to detail and the costumes for “King Lear” were of the highest quality.  Great use of colour for Lauren’s matching shoes and bags. The lighting was good and well controlled throughout. The sound was excellent with good use of period music interludes during the scene changes.  

With a cast made up of HAG regulars, this lightweight play was a witty comedy with plenty of laugh out loud moments.  There were some nicely judged performances and everyone was confident and comfortable with their roles.   Kelvin Fay as Denis brought great humour to his role, especially his suggestions for the Duke of Gloucester’s eye gouging scene. This was an excellent example of ensemble acting. Under the direction of Irene Airton, the evening was full of enthusiasm and energy that sent the audience home smiling.  

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