A Bunch of Amateurs

A Bunch of Amateurs... a play staged by Rainhill Garrick Society at Rainhill Village Hall, Dane Court, Rainhill on Saturday, 18th February 2023.

A Bunch of Amateurs is a play written by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman which was adapted from the original 2008 film. It tells the story of a fading American Film Star called Jefferson Steel who believes he is coming to England, to Stratford Upon Avon, the home of ‘The Bard’ to be the ‘leading light’ in a Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of  ‘King Lear’, only to discover that this was not the birthplace of the Bard but a sleepy Suffolk village and the cast are a bunch of amateurs, from the Stratford Players… full of an eclectic mix of personalities, who just like ‘us’, were following their hobby of amateur theatre, whilst desperately trying to save their hall from destruction.

Production Team … in her programme notes Lynn Aconley (Director) tells us that one of the writers of this play, suggested that this ‘script’ was a “love letter to Amateur dramatics” … a quote that I think perfectly sums up this play. The play was well cast and as soon as those curtains parted you could just tell that the cast were ready and willing to give their all. I was interested to see how Lynn would tackle the ‘play within a play’ situation and how the relationships within the cast would change as situations developed… well done, Lynn… be proud great job! Well, having been told by Lynn in her programme notes to sit back and find out what happens… that’s exactly what I did and here’s my conclusion…

The Cast…  as most will know, this is where, in my reviews, I usually ‘stick my neck out’ and start identifying favourites… MY favourites… but I’m of the opinion that this was very much an ensemble piece and if I may quote ‘Aristotle’… ‘The whole is greater than the sum of its parts’!   The success of this play, in my opinion, was down to every cast member giving their all, working together to create a great piece of theatre… be ever so proud!   The show opened with Jo Webster, who took on the role of ‘Dorothy Nettle’, the Director of the Stratford Players, pleading with the audience to support the theatre, which is under threat of closure for redevelopment. It was such a ‘heartfelt delivery’, I think it took the audience a couple of seconds to realise that this was part of the performance!  Jo did this role proud, great stage presence, great characterisation and was responsible for the delivery of some great one liners…be ever so proud Jo, great job!  The arrogant, disgruntled star actor, ‘Jefferson Steel’ was played really well by Gerald Walker.  Great characterisation, wonderful stage presence, loved his ability to go from ‘child like’ tantrums when he arrived to acceptance and enthusiasm as we neared the end of the play!  Loved his mannerisms, his facial expressions and his American accent which never faltered… be ever so proud Gerald, great job!    Rick Young gave us a ‘spot on performance’ as the pompous ‘Nigel Dewsbury’ a Solicitor and leading light in the of the Stratford Players.  Nigel thinks… NO he knows that he should be playing the lead role of King Lear… and lets everyone know!  Great stage presence, great characterisation, which he kept throughout…. I think we all know a real life ‘Nigel’ or two!   Well done, Rick… great job sir!  Rosetta Parker took on the role of ‘Mary Plunkett’ the proprietor of ‘The Rectory B+B’.  Mary is an unashamed, adoring fan of Jefferson Steel… although she does get a little confused as to which part he played in which film!  Good stage presence, good characterisation, worked ever so well with all the cast… well done Rosetta good job!  
Lucy Whitfield captured all the teenage attitude of the disappointed/disapproving daughter… ‘Jessica Steel’.  Jessica has, for most of her life, been neglected by her father and now, having arrived in Stratford, wants to make him pay!  Really did like Lucy’s portrayal, great stage presence, great characterisation… another that works ever so well with all the cast… be proud Lucy!  Linda Saavedra did a great job as ‘Lauren Bell’, the thirty something marketing executive and former physiotherapist and the wife of the sponsor of King Lear.  Linda looked totally comfortable playing this role, great stage presence… loved the massage scene with Jefferson… hilarious!  Well done, Linda, be proud!  Richard Parker played the ever willing ‘Denis Dobbins’ the kind hearted, slightly dull ‘Mr Fixit’… the village handyman. Denis is ‘star-struck’ by Jefferson and thinks himself as his number one fan… well done Richard, loved the characterisation!  George Lowe and Tom Nevitt played two journalists … hot on the heels of a good story involving anything ‘Jefferson Steele’ related… well done guys!   Finally, we had our ‘Singing Minstrel’ played ever so well by Alison Mawdesley… well done Alison, loved the small musical interludes which rang out loud and true... bit of a crowd pleaser for sure… be proud Alison!

Stage/Set/Tech… a simple single set, designed by Richard Parker and built by members, was used throughout which afforded the actors a great platform to perform from…  Graham Swift (Stage Manager /Lighting) was the man overseeing everything stage and lighting related and Ian Schofield was the man charged with looking after the sound, which was good throughout the evening, in a hall that is renowned for its difficulties when it comes to sound… be proud gents… good job!  
This show bubbled along with a cast that were loyal to their characters and were never farcical or contrived.  This was a funny, entertaining, engaging production for which all involved should feel justly proud of… a great ‘team effort’…be proud one and all!

Well done guys and thank you so much for inviting my wife and I to your production; I really do hope we get that chance to meet before your next production!

Stay safe and keep well…
‘Stronger Together’

Jim Briscoe
NODA NW
District 6 Rep

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