A Bunch of Amateurs

“A Bunch of Amateurs” is a popular choice with amateur dramatic groups, and productions like this make it easy to see why.  Apart from the obvious resonance of the subject matter, the piece is relatively straightforward to stage, requires only a small cast while also offering a range of roles, has something pertinent to say about celebrity and community, and is shot through with Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s deceptively gentle humour.  The audience in Garsington Village Hall loved it.

The piece is centred on the character of Jefferson Steele, a Hollywood A-lister in danger of slipping down the alphabet.  What could be better than a stint playing Shakespeare in Stratford to revive his career?  Except that he finds himself booked to perform with a small amateur company in Stratford, Suffolk, rather than in Stratford-upon-Avon, and the company has recruited him to help them raise the funds to prevent their modest hall from being turned into executive housing …  The upshot is that Jefferson finds himself on a journey even more testing than that from Los Angeles to Suffolk, and he is forced to reconsider what really matters to him.

The director clearly understood the peculiar demands of performing in such an intimate space.  There was no need for amplification or for the actors to over-project – the back of the hall was only a few yards away from the stage and every word came over clearly.  As a result, the dialogue sounded quite natural, helped by the fact that the actors knew their lines very well with only isolated examples of someone tripping over their words, and aside from the very occasional hesitation cues were picked up smartly.  Similarly, gestures were scaled down and there was no need for actors to pace about or wave their arms around to highlight their feelings or emotions as we could read it all in their eyes.

The extracts from the Players’ production of “King Lear” towards the end of the second act were better connected to the relationships within the company than is often the case.  By this point we were all so invested in this troupe of actors that Jessica’s collapse and Jefferson’s heroics felt like a genuinely moving moment.

The Village Hall is a charming venue but does present some technical challenges, not least the complete absence of space in the wings.  The set design made good use of a false proscenium to hang curtains and tabs, to give a glimpse of the world outside, and to provide some storage space for the furniture and properties.  I was particularly pleased to note that the takeaway featured real food and that there was “beer” in the very professionally labelled bottles of the presentation pack.  I’m not sure why the bottles were only half full – questions need to be asked!

Most of the principals had at least a couple of changes of costume which were well suited to their personalities, and in keeping with the fact that the action is spread out over several days at least.  Mary’s extravagant flamenco outfit, Jefferson’s rather snug T-shirt, Denis’s tool belt, and Nigel’s wardrobe of suits, zip-up tops, bow ties and cravats all spring to mind.  The Shakespearean costumes were rather fine – no indication of the Stratford Players’ financial difficulties here – and the quality and cut of the materials in the various robes and dresses caught the eye.

Nick Newman refers to “A Bunch of Amateurs” as a love letter to amateur dramatics and you could feel the love in this production.  Impeccably staged and impressively acted, this production told important stories about celebrity and community in an accessible and entertaining way.

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.