A Bunch of Amateurs

A dark stage with black partition for entrances/exits both sides with cross hanging banners on either side and further dressed during the performance with two swords and a central shield. Very effectively designed and built by Mike Neeson with additional dressing and props from Linda Cruttenden. Downstage was a laundry basket full of costumes and props doubling as a ‘creaking’ seat. A great pull-down massage table was attached to one side, well used for the sexy and misinterpreted physio scene. Upstage was set a small covered circular table with two chairs, suitably moved by the cast as required. One regal red velvet chair and on the side wall hooks for hanging various garments, crown etc. wall candles and stag head crest, the other side curtained dressed window with books, flowers etc. The idea of the ‘royal’ striped curtains running on a wire very effective.  

So, two sets in one – The Barn Theatre, sadly about to close, much to the consternation of the Stratford Players, a wonderfully enthusiastic groups of am-dramers headed by their dedicated Chairman/Director Dorothy Nettle and their set for the ambitious production of ‘King Lear’ and doubling as Mary Plunkett’s breakfast room. Sophia Lefevre White costumed each individual character perfectly. Another newcomer, Tom Lyons, was welcomed by the group with his assistance on the lighting and sound desk, with Jo Doyle on the production side. Aisling with her expertise in direction steered the players, again the immersive feel of the BLODS Hall, which was slick in both script and action and using the central aisle and exit door adding to the interest. I just loved the mobility scooter manoeuvres.

This is a wonderfully funny look into the life of amateur dramatics – the ups and downs of characters and scenarios certainly familiar to those who have been involved in our amazing  hobby and was beautifully characterised by the experienced players joining the BLODS family.

So how to save their Theatre? In overalls and a variety of head accessories, Bertie Hustwayte convinces us as a dedicated Dorothy with her gentle authority, needing a name to somehow save the day. With determination, she interests and acquires Jefferson Steel, an American action man film legend, very used to getting his own way, to play Lear.  Of course, this Stratford is in sleepy Suffolk not upon Avon! Lovely casting of tall Glenn Robertson looking the part in noisy shirts, baseball cap and of course the dark glasses maintaining an exceptionally good accent with some strong blue language beautifully delivered, who comes to discover some truths about himself and eventually his rather good inner Lear!.  He contrasted so very well with keen to please, reliable Denis Dobbins in his boiler suit with Andrew Pilcher playing this lovable comedic role. Vicky Whitaker became a starry eyed, flustered, complex Mary Plunkett beautifully. Great flirting, facial expressions, and I loved her tango! We had to have a ‘Nige’ just bursting to portray Lear and this pompous, solicitor Nigel Dewsbury which was superbly played by Glen Marks with such wonderful cutting lines. Lauren, not such the bimbo wife of sponsor of Bell’s Beers was played by Millie Jolley. Just loved her timing and accent, her active physio massage scene was hilarious. The arrival of Jessica Steel was a surprise and with some cutting lines and hard truths, a better understanding of father and daughter was nicely developed by Corbyn Smithers creating this complex teenage girl character. In her blacks and tool belt Iona Scott took on the role of Debbie Dobbins, stage crew handy with a drill and doubling as The Fool with some great Shakespeare quotes – the one in particular ‘He that has but a little tiny wit, and hey ho the wind and the rain must make content with his fortunes fit – for the rain it raineth every day’ And actually, it really was pouring with rain on Sunday afternoon. Iona was also in her mac playing a very pushy Reporter.

A thank you to all involved in yet another very funny, fast-moving production – front of house always welcoming, impressive publicity and a nicely produced programme created by Chairman Henri Hayler and Jo Doyle.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.