A Bunch of Amateurs

Jefferson Steel is an ageing Hollywood action-man, past his prime and unemployed, though things may be about to improve for him when his agent comes across an actor’s “dream role” – playing King Lear at Stratford. Steel packs his bags and heads for England. Unfortunately, on arrival he finds he has been tricked by his agent, as this does not refer to a forthcoming production by the RSC at Stratford on Avon but a performance by the amateur dramatic society based in the village of Stratford St. John, Suffolk, with Steel’s presence intended to help raise money to save the local theatre from being demolished to make way for executive homes.

At his initial meeting with other members of the cast Steel (skilfully played by Tony Hine) is loud, brash and quick to promote himself despite knowing little about the play and having much difficulty in learning his lines. Bearing in mind that this is a village group, many of Steel’s expensive expectations cannot be met by his hosts and it is left to Dorothy Nettle (played by Ellie Johnson, the director of the play) to use her pleasant manner and calmly disabuse this fading star that his mode of transport will not be a limousine and his accommodation will not be a luxury hotel.

Gus Sparrow (as Nigel Denbury, a retired solicitor) takes umbrage at failing to be awarded the principal role despite the fact that he can speak proper English and delights in making caustic remarks about Jefferson Steel’s other failings.  When Jessica Steel (feistily played by Haneul Kwon), the precocious daughter of the “star”, suddenly arrives on the scene with a willingness to divulge more of her father’s failings, further tension is added. Briony Sparrow (as Lauren Bell) the glamourous wife of the play’s sponsor and a trained physiotherapist, endeavours to ease Jefferson’s back pain, but only manages to create more problems for him.  Meanwhile, Gary Cadwallader (as Dennis Dobbins) a practical actor, continues to work on how his eyes should be gouged out to achieve the most dramatic effect!  Verity Connor (as Mary Plunkett) is a devoted member of this am-dram who has always tried to act in the best interests of the society, although it is difficult to see how her recent activities can be included in this category – but then?

Written by Nick Newman and Ian Hislop this work was originally released as a film in 2008 and premiered on the stage in 2014. Whilst not the easiest play to perform, the vast amount of humour and farce contained therein make it a joy to watch and prompts much appreciation from the audience when acted with enthusiasm, as was the case with this performance. The detailed direction was a partnership effort with Lesley Sparrow responsible for directing the day- to- day activities of the am-dram members and Jim Smee directing the Shakespearian content and providing the ditties during the brief interludes. Sterling work was carried out by Hayden Raado and Hayley Taylor whose extremely efficient set changes ensured the pace of this production was maintained. This was super entertainment! Congratulations to all who were involved.

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