A BUNCH OF AMATEURS

Another well-directed and acted play from Dunstable Rep.  I must admit I am not fond of the play as such, but thought everyone involved did a good job.  The premise of a Hollywood actor coming to a small amateur group in Stratford (unfortunately not Upon Avon) lent itself well to the diverse characters who would be involved and their different reactions to the ebullient self-important ‘star’!

The set was fairly detailed, and enabled the cast to move around it with ease.  Good props and access to entrances and exits.  The use of a raised section, with stairs, was good as it added a different dimension to the stage, which was well-used throughout.

I liked the lighting, with different intensity for the theatre and the bed and breakfast, just enough diversity to ring the changes.

Costumes were suitable for each actor, and everyone looked comfortable in what they were wearing.

I was very impressed with the sprinkler system, which was operated when Jefferson Steel lit his cigar in the non-smoking environment – it was a shock, but very well done, even though the actor had to perform the remainder of show decidedly damp!!  I’m all for a bit of realism, which really worked.

Marlon Gill as the American actor Jefferson Steel, gave us an excellent portrayal, encompassing all the parts of an American who thinks he is above the motley bunch of amateurs he finds himself performing with, but who goes on a ‘journey’ and discovers things about himself on the way.  A convincing performance.

Vicky Wells created a very normal and believable character as the Director, Dorothy Nettle.  Her need to get funds to continue with the group was paramount in what she did, and I liked her way of dealing with the various personalities in the group.

Elise Crosby as Jessica Steel, Jefferson’s daughter, was bright and feisty, a good foil to the other actors, and someone who knew what her father was like, but eventually came, perhaps, to like him!  Well done.

Ben Jaggers was a rather pompous Nigel Dewbury, someone who had previously taken the lead roles, and who was incensed at being passed over for King Lear, by someone who obviously was not au fait with Shakespeare.  I liked what Ben did with the part, and enjoyed the fight between him and Jefferson!

Carmel Byrne portrayed Mary Plunkett as the quiet one of the group, but completely bowled over by the big Hollywood star, a good foil to the rest of the cast.  I loved her reaction to what she thought was a relationship between Lauren and Jefferson.

Philip Davis gave us the handyman of the group, Dennis Dobbins – again slightly taken in by the ‘star’ persona, and enjoying acting as his right hand man when it suited them!

The final member of the cast was Jo White as Lauren Bell,  the up-front wife of the group’s sponsor.  A nice role that Jo was able to give credibility to.  I liked her happy-go-lucky approach.

All in all an amusing play, with some good performances, and one which the audiences obviously enjoyed.  Always good to have a comedy, where the audience can relax and have a good laugh, but that is also well-acted and presented.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.