A Bunch of Amateurs

This is a comedy by Nick Newman and Ian Hislop that looks at all sides of theatre, and the different relationships between cast members and how they all pull together to put on their play or musical in their local area. The Stratford Players are facing the loss of their theatre so appeal to Hollywood agents to gain publicity and raise funds. Di Mannion has a great cast with this production, the basic set worked well, and there was good lighting and sound.

The play revolves around a fading American action hero, Jefferson Steel, whose agent has sent him to play King Lear in Stratford.  He thinks it is Stratford-upon-Avon, but it is actually the small village of Stratford St. John.

Andrew Tomlinson is great in the role of Steel, and he really gets into the character. He comes across as a real American ‘star’ expecting everyone to pander to him, but slowly he comes round to the British way.  Leigh-Ann James is also very convincing as Dorothy, the director of the group. She obviously runs the group and endeavours to encourage the others with a distinct air of authority. Steel and Dorothy work very well together.

Mary Singh played Mary and Rick Jones was Denis - they have some great comic moments together and with the others. Simon Baker is also very credible as Nigel whilst Robyn Klein-Christoffels as Lauren and Sasha Marsh as Jessica Steel were well cast and gave great support..

Between the scenes the cast spoke from Shakespeare’s plays. This added realism and comedy to the whole production. Everyone worked very well together and the audience was well entertained

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