A Bunch of Amateurs

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 Jefferson Steel who believes that his agent has booked him to perform King Lear in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Upon arrival Jefferson soon discovers that it is not the birthplace of the ‘Bard’ but a sleepy village in Suffolk and that the cast are a bunch of amateurs called the ‘Stratford Players’.

In charge of the eclectic mix of personalities making up the Players is Dorothy Nettle, the Director, who informs the audience that the theatre is set to close unless they can raise a significant amount of funds and thanks us for our support. This directness invites the audience to step into the unfolding story and if you have ever been part of an amateur dramatic society you will indeed recognise many of the situations presented. Dorothy played by Fiona Bingham gave a natural performance and it did take the audience a few moments to realise that the opening scene was part of the production.

I attended this performance on a Saturday afternoon and I was slightly embarrassed by the lack of audience reaction to the humour. This play was great in so many ways but the audience remained miserably quiet for most of it not even clapping at the end of Act One, despite being encouraged by those of us who did want to show our appreciation.  I mention this because I want to reassure the cast that the quiet audience did enjoy themselves because of the discussions I overheard as I was leaving the venue.

Sam Kick (the productions Director) had cast the show well and it was the culmination of all performances that made this an enjoyable piece of theatre.  

Jefferson Steel is an arrogant and disgruntled part and this was handled well by John Bingham with a well-maintained American accent throughout.

Jackie Sherlock as Mary Plunkett as always played to her strengths as the proprietor of the ‘Rectory B&B’. Her adoration as a fan of Jefferson was unashamed and her facial expression simply delightful to watch, even though her character doesn’t always get the right films that Jefferson has starred in.

Andy Chorleton as the pompous Nigel Dewbury, solicitor and lead actor of the Stratford Players again gave us some memorable moments. I particularly liked the scene when ‘like a diva’ he attempts to leave the production but is talked round by the Director.

Kira Squire played the disapproving daughter, Jessica Steel, neglected by her father who sets out to make him pay, again another good performance.

Ann Escritt as marketing executive, former physiotherapist and wife of the sponsor for King Lear looked totally comfortable in her role. The massage scene with Jefferson was hilarious to watch and every entrance was delivered with great confidence in the delivery of the character.

Adam Barrett played Denis Dobbins the village handyman with a superb ‘West Midlands accent’ that worked surprisingly well with the story being set in Suffolk, and up against two American accents. Adam delivered great characterisation in his performance and I was amazed at his wide selection of woolly hats, a new one for nearly every scene. The arrival and removal of the mobility scooter was extremely well executed to great comic effect.

The delivery of lines was spot on and I am sure that the prompt (Brigid O’Connor) had an easy week with this well rehearsed production.

It was only the delivery of some of the lines from the abridged version of King Lear by William Shakespeare at the climax of the play where the tone, rhythm of speech and intonation fell a little short.

The stage was a simple set designed by John Bingham that worked well on its two levels especially when it came to the ‘play within the play’. Scene changes were interesting with the ‘Crew’ being visible and vocal. A number of comic moments were delivered well with the repeated joke of the salt and pepper being stuck to the tablecloth showing us a glimpse into the life of the stage crew.

This show was funny, entertaining and engaging, a great team effort by everyone involved and a lovely afternoon of live theatre.

 

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