A Bunch Of Amateurs

A very pleasant afternoon spent with this talented group. Celebrating their 10th Anniversary this year, P.M.A. has a few exciting events on the cards, this play being one of them, followed by an entirely different entertainment, The SpongeBob Musical in April. 

The play written by Nick Newman and Ian Hislop was performed by a hand-picked group of performers. The set was minimalistic in this modern venue, with few props as possible being used. Screens were used as entrance and exits together with side aisles also used to enter and exit scenes.

The threat of closure of the Amateur group called The Stratford Players was on the cards. Their Director, Dorothy who was hell bent on keeping the group going, was passionately portrayed by Davina Shone who was crucial to the success of this wordy piece, dealing with every situation which arose, with ease.

The role of washed-up American actor Jefferson Steele was excellently portrayed by Malc Anglesea, who landed in Stratford to take the leading role in King Lear, thinking he was going to perform the lead in King Lear at RSC Stratford-upon-Avon, Malc maintained a good American accent throughout the play. His demanding bombastic attitude, together with his ridiculous requests, were evident from his first entrance, but soon changed later during the performance, to a warmer more acceptable character, thanks to the arrival of his young daughter, Jessica, intelligently played by Jess Dailey, who posed a challenge to him. Maggie Villiers-Jones shone in her role as Mary as she rushed to answer every ridiculous request from the demanding Jefferson.

Landon Sweeney successfully commanded attention as the disappointed Nigel, who had his eye on the leading role, and kept quoting Shakespear as the piece progressed whilst looking for any opportunity to infuriate Jefferson. Tom Spencer enjoyed the role of Denis as he administered his rolling eyes trick, together with driving the electric wheelchair round the stage to the horror of the rest of the cast. Dani Buck gave a spirited and energetic performance as Lauren.

Keith Lewis and Sam Falkingham completed the cast as Journalists and coped well moving props and scenery.

Director Katie Williams must have been justly proud of her efforts as we are always ready for a good laugh. The group certainly delivered a huge amount of comedy with this piece. 

Congratulations to all concerned, thank you once again for your invitation and carry on celebrating 10 fabulous years of Amateur Theatre in the area.

 

This is the opinion of the Reviewer.

 

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