A Bunch of Amateurs

When you visit one of the leading drama groups in the region your expectations are high and with this extremely funny, Ian Hislop and Nick Newman, script and some very experienced actors we were certainly not disappointed.

A Bunch of Amateurs is based around a local, Stratford St John, drama group performing King Lear to raise money to save the Village Hall. Realising their usual audience will not raise sufficient funds they decide to try to get the services of a “Headliner” to increase ticket sales and get some sponsorship. Arrive Hollywood superstar to what he thinks is Stratford upon Avon and the story develops.

Trying to control this bunch is Dorothy Nettle (Andrea Wilson) the company director and stalwart of the Village Hall. This part requires an adaptable actor who with pace and timing can control all the “goings on”. Andrea handles this challenge with ease and illustrates her many talents as she skips from one emergency to the next.

Helping her in this quest is local solicitor Nigel Dewbury (Peter Howell) the leading light of the drama group and what a part this is. If you needed someone to perform this then you could not ask for better. This talented actor demonstrates” the art of coarse acting” to a tee and although it would be very easy to scene steal, his mastery of comic timing never allows this to happen. He was hilarious.

Also on the Village Hall team is Mary Plunkett (Nona Grey), owner of the local B&B and obviously another long standing member. Every amateur society has this person, willing to help and muck in whenever required. Mary, being a bit of a flirt soon latches onto the Hollywood Star but on discovering “funny business” feels she has to go. This a good part for a very capable but slightly older actor and Nona carries this off with aplomb.

Controlling the Village Hall Health and Safety and playing several parts in King Lear we have Denis Dobbins (Mike Quenby) and another great part for someone. Mike gives this very likable man a feeling that he is real, no pretension, what you see is what you get and when this is put next to all the other egos it makes him a vital piece of the success of this piece. Some hilarious lines well delivered and his various sets of eyes, a real hoot.

The show revolves around the main character Jefferson Steel (Lee Johnson) the Hollywood Star. First time with the players Lee is such an asset, adding to this already very talented group. From his good looks, faultless American accent and that ability to make you hate him one minute then love him the next. He soon makes us realise that at the basis of all good comedy is timing and acting strength and Lee has both in abundance. 

As the sponsors wife Lauren Bell (Daisy Wilson) is everything you would expect. She takes her role as sponsors wife very seriously and demonstrates several other skills, one of which almost ends in disaster. The physio scene cleverly executed and extremely funny. Daisy is developing into a good all-round performer and another great asset for the future.

As if to throw a “swerve ball” into the play there is the arrival of Hollywood, pushed about and largely neglected, daughter of Jefferson, Jessica Steel (Lucy Connor). This angry young lady appears to have been told to visit her father following her Mothers latest marriage. She ably shows that there is little feeling between her and her father but as the story progresses, she melts and finds some love in her heart for this man she has seen so little. With her intimate knowledge of Lear she soon becomes friends with the rest of the group. This young lady is another great asset for the future as she managed this characterisation extremely well.

First time Director Kat Tindall must have been delighted with the riotous reception it got on its opening night. Well done to everyone involved another great nights entertainment.

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