A Bunch of Amateurs

A Bunch of Amateurs staged by Wigan Little Theatre at Wigan Little Theatre, Compton Street, Wigan on Thursday, 11th July 2024

A Bunch of Amateurs is a play written by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman which was adapted from the original 2008 film of the same name. It tells the story of a fading American Movie 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 is far from the truth … it’s not the birthplace of the Bard but a sleepy Suffolk village … Stratford St Johns with ‘A Bunch of Amateurs’ performing as the Stratford Players. The ensemble is full of an eclectic mix of personalities, who just like ‘us’, are following their hobby of amateur theatre, whilst desperately trying to save their hall from destruction.  The opening scene set the tone for the entire show with the ‘ON Stage’ Director ‘Dorothy Nettle’, informing the audience (you and me) that the theatre was set to close unless they could raise a significant amount of funds (think we’ve heard that sort of plea before) and thanked us for our support. This directness invited the audience to step into the unfolding story and if you have ever been part of an amateur theatre group, you will indeed recognise many of the situations presented. I did think it took a few people, sat around me, a few moments for the ‘penny to drop’ and for them to realise that this was actually part of the production and not an actual real plea from WLT …

The Production Team ...  I’ve seen this play a couple of times now, and I’m due to see it a couple more times in the next ten months … an interesting aspect with this play and similar ones (plays within a plays) is to see how ‘amateur actors’ play ‘amateur actors’ and in this case how an ‘American Movie Star’ will cope with Shakespeare.  Given the responsibility of guiding us through this adventure we had Paul Dawson (Director).  Paul had a great cast to work with, some of whom I’d seen many times on stage before, along with some new faces, all of who looked well-rehearsed and who brought their characters to the fore.  I do like these ‘parallel story lines’ … and I was really looking forward to see how Paul achieved and encouraged his vision … I was not to be disappointed … Well done, Paul.

The Cast … as most will know, this is where I usually ‘stick MY neck out’ and start suggesting ‘show stealers’ … but this was another production where I felt the ‘whole was greater than the individual’ …where all cast members worked together really well, supporting each other and when this happens its really difficult to start suggesting that someone was better than someone else without doing injustice to some!  The production opened with the superbly delivered ‘heartfelt plea’ mentioned above, to raise funds for the ailing society, delivered with great aplomb by ‘Dorothy Nettle’ the ’on-stage Director’ of the Stratford Players, played wonderfully well by Stacey Vernon. Stacey had ‘stage presence aplenty’ and provided us with a great character. She worked ever so well with all the cast members, especially with John Churnside who played the American Film Star with the monstrous ego … ‘Jefferson Steel’. Jefferson arrives in Britain expecting to be performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford- Upon-Avon. John was able to create this obnoxious arrogant character, but he was also able to show his underlying fragility especially in the scenes with his daughter … ‘Jessica Steel’, played really well by Jess Sinclair.  Jessica’s life with Jefferson hasn’t been easy or close, she feels that she’s been neglected by her father and when she shows up in Stratford St John uninvited ... things aren’t the best!  Jess was able to provide us with this lovely character with a lovely stage manner/presence, loved the way the connection between father and daughter developed and concluded.  Darren Little created the totally believable character ‘Nigel Dewsbury’! Jefferson Steel wasn’t the only character with a ‘dash of ego’ … especially when he found out he’d been overlooked for the part of ‘Lear’ in favour of their American guest! Darren played this role for all he was worth … loved the ‘Diva Scene’ when he threatened to leave the society, only to be talked round by the Director.  John Dudley provided us with another great character in the form of ‘Brummie’ … ‘Denis Dobbins’ the local handy man, Mr Fix it!  Loved the ‘Brummie accent’ which worked really well and loved the character created… not the brightest star in the sky!  Loved the character created and I think everyone loved the entrance and exit on the Mobility Scooter which was really well directed with great comedy effect. Sandy Kershaw took on the role of ‘Lauren Bell’, the wife of the plays sponsor, a marketing executive whose previous employment as a physiotherapist almost gets her into trouble and almost closes the show … OMG the ‘physio scene’ with Jefferson was hilariously graphic to watch, brought the house down…  be very proud!  Finally, and I think my favourite character from the play, was Maggie Hall’s portrayal of ‘Mary Plunkett’, the Proprietor of the Rectory B+B where Jefferson stays, who’s infatuated with him and who overestimates his affection for her!  Great character created, the facial expressions and the mannerisms were amazing, just loved the delivery of the lines where she gets confused about films roles, she thought he’d played, delivered to perfection… so real, be proud Maggie great job…. be proud everyone, this was a great ensemble play that you should all be proud of!    

Staging/Set/Tech … the staging/sets here at Wigan Little Theatre are always well thought out, well built, usually made in house but always fit for purpose!  I think this was one of the best ones yet (Pushing ‘Sheilia’s Island’ I think for top spot).  The set just ‘looked right’ … loved the rustic wooden effect of the barn which used the full width of the stage … the access and exit points provided were used to great effect … in charge of all things on stage was Andy Brown (Stage Manager).  The Set Design was by Peter Hall … constructed by Peter himself, John Churnside, Phil Wood, Dave Flannagan, Kevin Fairhurst, Gary Hill, Brian Heap and Steven Gambles and painted by Christine Armstrong, Marueen Schofield, Maggie Hall, Pat Ashurst, Ellen Fitton, Veronia Teesdale, Val Miller and Mary B Hill.

Lighting and Sound as always here at WLT was first class and helped to enhance the production under the watchful eye of Rachel Ariel Taylor, Will Mulhearn, Kim Brown, Helen Grey, Amelia Perry and Harry King….  Well done folks great job, be proud!

Wardrobe … the costumes looked really good, enhanced the production… under the watchful eye of Stacy Vernon and the cast!  Props … were first rate, used effectively and again enhanced this production … being looked after and provided by Katie Davis, Patricia Ashurst, Anne Martin and Evie Fanning.

In January, I reviewed Home, I’m Darling at Wigan Little Theatre directed by Tracy Dawson… in her programme notes she told us about her move to Devon … now we have husband Paul confirming the move which I presume must be imminent … as I said to Tracey… Paul… Devon’s gain is Wigan’s loss, there is no doubt that both you and Tracy will be missed … on behalf of myself and NODA, can I wish you both all the best for the future … without doubt, there’ll be a stage/society down there just waiting for you to show up and use all that experience, both on and off stage! 

Thanks again to all at Wigan for inviting my wife and I. We thoroughly enjoyed this production, we really are blessed with some talented theatre people in District 6 both on and off stage.  See you all again soon!

Stay safe, keep well…
‘Stronger Together’

Jim Briscoe
NODA NW
District 6 Rep

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