A Bunch of Amateurs

A BUNCH OF AMATEURS by Nick Newman and Ian Hislop is a comedy arising out of a misunderstanding.   It pokes gentle fun at the world of amateur theatre.    The misunderstanding: Jefferson Steele (A Hollywood A-lister) accepts the title role of King Lear in Stratford.     What he doesn’t realise is that this Stratford is an amateur group in Stratford St John.   The group have asked numerous agents to help them out of a financial hole with the idea that a big star will attract bigger audiences, boost their funds and enable them to fight off the prospective developers who intend to demolish their theatre.

The programme was a simple A5 design with colour cover and occasional use of colour inside.   It had a message from the Director, list of production team and notes, with head shot photos, of the cast members. There was a colour photo of the authors with background information and an summary of the plot of King Lear.  Towards the back of the programme there was information about NODA and also how to get involved with the group.   Other Local Amateur Productions were mentioned as was the Hook Players’ fortieth anniversary  being celebrated this year.

The stage was laid out and decorated as the inside of a barn/hall where the players rehearse and perform.   It was dressed to portray its shabbiness.   There was good attention to detail including a No Smoking sign with sprinkler above.   Mary’s Bed and Breakfast was revealed by the clever use of revolving flats and moving furniture around as well as a lamp descending from above.    The props were well sourced and used effectively.  I noticed Dorothy’s script marked up with post-it notes – very authentic!   The take away boxes were disappointingly obviously virtually empty.   A rather impressive throne was revealed and was very regal and in keeping with King Lear’s status. Denis showed great skill in reversing Jefferson’s personal transport (a mobility scooter).  The props varied in size from a physiotherapist’s table down to a pickled onion which was one of Denis’s ideas for Gloucester’s eye gouging scene!

The costumes were good and reflected their characters’ personalities, scruffy jeans and a variety of T-shirts for Jefferson, arty type tops and leggings for director Dorothy, teenage wear for Jessica and more middle-of-the-road dresses for Mary and smart outfits for PR Lauren.   The historical costumes for the ‘King Lear’ element of the play were excellent, colourful and added authenticity to the production.    

The lighting was good with areas well lit enabling the cast to be seen clearly.    Spot lighting was used when various members of the cast recited short speeches while wearing the Fool’s hat.     From time to time there were (almost) blinding flashes of lighting as the story demanded when the press were involved.   Sound effects were used to great effect for the storm.    A good deal of thought had gone into compiling the musical interludes including: ‘Brush up your Shakespeare’, ‘Why do fools fall in love?’, ‘Good Morning’ from ‘Singin’ in the rain’ and ‘You’re So vain’.

This production of ‘A Bunch of Amateurs’ was a fine piece of ensemble acting where everyone morphed into their characters with each bringing individual touches to their various roles.  Steve Taylor was larger than life as the initially reluctant Hollywood star and I could see he genuinely cared for his daughter when she had the allergic reaction.    Paul Cuttle as Nigel ‘I should really be playing Lear’ was perfectly pompous and gave me one of the biggest laughs of the evening when he threatened to leave the group but was met with an acerbic “What again?” from director, Dorothy. Lily Ebsworth transformed from selfish teenager to a more mature concerned daughter.   Sally Hadfield had great facial expressions as star and lovestruck Mary. She also carried a running joke through the play of mistaking what films Jefferson had been in.    Kelvin Fay as Dennis, the dour plumber, was also Jefferson’s ‘official entourage’. He was hilarious in his deadpan delivery.    The pace of delivery was generally very good but could have done with a little tightening from time to time.    The actors were well supported by an excellent creative and backstage team.    Overall, this was an excellent production and a joyful evening.

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