A Bunch of Amateurs

Anything with Ian Hislop involved in the writing is always going to provide a quality script albeit that I have always felt that it could benefit from a slight paring down in parts. And all you need then is for the delivery to do it justice and Stone Revellers definitely did not disappoint in that regard. We were treated to an excellent portrayal of the story of a fading Hollywood star, convinced he has come to play Lear in the birthplace of the Bard who actually ends up performing in a barn in Stratford St John with a bunch of amateurs! I think all of us involved in community theatre relate to this play as so much of it rings true – as much drama off stage as on, prima donnas, no budget but yet so much passion and commitment to the art.

As Director, Dawn Huxley had created a slick production with a tightly knit cast who worked extremely well together. There were one of two quiet lapses between scenes but most of the long costume changes that were the cause were well covered by turning the photographers into dancing stagehands! I am always quite a fan of scene changes as part of the performance when done well and this was also a very clever way of allowing the business backstage to proceed without dragging down the pace of the production.

The set was great and worked perfectly across the scenes showing the evolution of the King Lear set amidst the detritus of the barn as well as portraying other settings. Props were well used throughout the performance and costume was well executed – particularly loved Jessica’s “ray of sunshine” t-shirt! The sounds & lighting gremlins had gone on holiday as all was working as intended and the song choices for the scene changes were well chosen and really added something.

The quality of acting was very high across the cast and the American accents were pretty consistent and accurate. This is a long play and the energy levels stayed high right to the end.

Jefferson Steele, played by Sean Galloghly is the stereotypical Hollywood spoiled star that Sean portrayed very well as he slowly allowed us to see the human under the action hero. From calling for a work of Shakespeare to be rewritten to insisting on a “rider”, the tantrums came hilariously thick & fast. But, we do get to see him play his most challenging role yet – as supportive human being and better father. Sean transitioned the character very nicely whilst still keeping us laughing.

Dorothy Nettle (Harri Capernaros) is the backbone of the Stratford Players and the director of this production of King Lear and is spectacularly unimpressed with the legend (predominantly in his own mind) that is Jefferson Steele. Her focus is on saving the production and saving the Players. Harri’s portrayal expertly showed us a woman whose last shreds of determination were being given to this task and nothing is going to get in her way. And definitely not Jefferson’s bull!

Every amdram group has the real “thesp”; talented but over dramatic and somewhat covetous of all the lead roles. Nigel Dewsbury is one such character and was excellently and hilariously conveyed by Rob Davies. Nigel obviously believes that he would be a far superior Lear compared to some American upstart (to be fair, he’s not wrong in the early days!) and his machinations almost ruin the show though he comes good in the end.

Whilst Jefferson thinks he should have a suite at the Four Seasons, he actually has a room at Mary’s B&B (albeit her best one!) and Mary (played by Charl Andrews) is quite the fan…..if she could only remember what films he actually starred in! Charl’s portrayal of Mary brilliantly showed the switch from excited superfan (with amorous intent!) to “woman scorned” when she believes the fake news about Jefferson.

The final Stratford Player is the lovely Dennis Dobbins played by Mark Doran. Dennis takes care of much of the set building and offers some heart to the group as well as some nifty mobility scooter driving! Mark’s portrayal was great as a guy who may not be the brains of the group but is a solid and unwavering presence – the cornerstone of any amateur theatre group.

The surprise guest is in the guise of Jefferson’s daughter, Jessica (played by Tamsin Brown) whose standard teenage angst mixed with her feelings about Jefferson’s entire lack of ability as a father lead to some fabulous tetchy glowering, expertly handled by Tamsin. Jessica and Jefferson’s gradual reconciliation was well handled by Tamsin as was the drama around her stage debut.

Finally we have Lauren Bell, the wife of the local beer magnate who is sponsoring the production. Played by Claire Saunders, the quality portrayal gives that impression of a character who is genuinely trying to be helpful and I always think that if there were ever a sequel, Lauren’s story definitely has more questions than answers based on the hints dropped by the script.

The photographers (Joe Jenkinson, Carly Smith & Neil Norman) start by greeting Jefferson as “paps” at the airport but soon become scene changers with rhythm! They definitely had the audience engaged every time they appeared.

Another high-quality production by Stratford Pla…..I mean Stone Revellers! Who could also do a very good job of King Lear based on the final scene! Thank you very much for the invite and for looking after me as always. I will look forward to the next time.

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