A Bunch of Amateurs

Burtonwood Amateur Music and Drama Society continued their 40th anniversary celebrations with their production of ‘A Bunch of Amateurs’. Making her directorial debut was Hannah Smith. The set was visually appealing, and was able to transport the audience to different locations. From the barn with village notices pinned up to Mary’s B&B; each location had been thought about. The attention to detail was very good, as each time the audience visited the barn, there were changes to it as they prepared for the King Lear performance. The scene changes were done quickly, with pieces of furniture being brought on. The pace could have been pushed further throughout the production. Having the cast enter through the auditorium doors was a good directorial choice. It made the audience feel like they were in the barn with the cast. The timings of these entrances could have been quicker, as there were moments where the audience were waiting for the character to get to the stage. This would have helped quicken the pace, which is important to the comedy genre as a whole. The groupings of the cast on stage were good, and it was good to see the whole auditorium being used. It made the audience feel like they were another character in the production, especially during the opening moments of the play with Mary and Nigel sat in the audience as Dorothy gave her speech. Costumes were modern dress and suited each character well, from the well-dressed Nigel to Jefferson’s black t-shirt and jeans. The costumes for ‘King Lear’ looked fantastic! Suitably extravagant.

Technical aspects were integrated well into the production. Sound effects were good throughout. The music between scenes was good, with songs performed in a Shakespearean way. Lighting was good throughout. The lighting for the action sequences were well done and added to the comedy. The sprinkler effect was a genius way of tackling the scene and brought laughter to the audience.

Jim McMillan was fantastic as the faded American movie star, Jefferson Steele. Jim sustained the American accent throughout, and there was a cockiness to the character, which worked extremely well. Jim told Jefferson’s story well, going from an over-confident character to losing his hard exterior and letting people into his life. Jim delivered the Shakespearean lines in a classical way, whilst still maintaining the American twang, which was impressive!

Julie Ratcliffe did well as the director, Dorothy. Julie was secure on her lines, delivering them clearly. It would have been great to see more of a build up between the blossoming relationship between Dorothy and Jefferson, but Julie did create a good partnership with Jim. Julie did well to continue with her performance following her onstage accident. Please keep each other safe!

Jess Ratcliffe performed very well as Jessica, Jefferson’s daughter. This was a strong performance from Jess, showing a fraught relationship with Jefferson at her introduction, to slowly forming a loving father-daughter relationship. Jess had a great American accent, which she sustained throughout.

Pauline Taylor provided good comic support as Mary. Pauline had good comic timing, and her facial expressions further added to the comedy, especially in the massage scene. Her obsession with Jefferson was nicely played, and mistaking him for other Hollywood actors was very funny.

John Hickey looked like he was enjoying the role of Nigel, longstanding member of the Stratford Players. John was quiet compared to the rest of the cast when delivering the lines – just increase the volume to match the rest of the cast. John did throw himself into the character, especially the well-choreographed sword fight with Jim.

Sally Rice played the company’s stage manager and performer, Denise. Sally offered good support to the rest of the cast. There was some uncertainty in lines, but Sally showed a good understanding of comedy, especially in the scenes as Jefferson’s entourage.

Alli Owen offered good support in her role as Lauren, the wife of the sponsor. Alli’s vocal clarity and diction were very good, and this was an enjoyable performance. The massage scene was very funny, and well performed by Alli.

Arran Abbey appeared as both Journalists, at the same time. This was an interesting concept, with Arran in half male and half female attire. Arran fully committed to this role, changing his voice and physicality for both characters.

Overall, this was an enjoyable evening. There were some good characterisations, good comic moments, and great costumes, especially the Shakespearean costumes.

A big thank you to everyone at Burtonwood AMADS for their kind invite and their hospitality. All the best for your next production, ‘The Wedding Singer’, later this year.

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