A Bunch of Amateurs

There has been a long-held scepticism about the relationship between the worlds of professional and amateur theatre and Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s “A Bunch of Amateurs” brought this into focus up close and personal with great effect. The premise of the play centres around a fading Hollywood actor ‘Jefferson Steel’, who accepts an invitation to perform King Lear in Stratford—only to discover, to his dismay, that it is not the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company but a small amateur dramatic society in the sleepy Suffolk village of Stratford St. John!

The consequent misunderstandings in Sara Hill and Jamie Cross’s production for CADS Theatre Club are played out by a roll call of what I am sure are perceived to be theatrical types (I am sure all of the hard working and loyal members of amateur theatrical groups would strenuously deny!) make for great comedy and demonstrate the great passion that surrounds the hobby.

‘Jefferson Steel’, played commandingly by Jon Pointon is a classic comic figure: brash American, full of his own self-importance, and yet ultimately vulnerable. His journey from cynical outsider to engaged participant is both funny and touching. Emilie Tunnacliffe’s ‘Jessica’, ‘Jefferson’s’ daughter, provides an emotional counterbalance, offering a grounded and honest perspective that challenges her father’s behaviour. Within the amateur group, each character is vividly drawn. ‘Dorothy Nettle’, played with great fervour by Jaki Bateman, is the enthusiastic director, is determined but often overwhelmed, while Wayne Simpson’s suitably annoying ‘Nigel Dewberry’, the company’s chairman, feels his position in the society guarantees his starring role but hilarious lack in theatrical skill is evident to everyone except ‘Nigel’. ‘Mary Plunkett’, played by Karen Astbury, is earnest and polite, embodying the gentle passion of amateur performance, while Saskia Simone playing ‘Lauren Bell’, brings a slightly more commercial viewpoint to the proceedings with the injection of subtle humour including a hilarious massage scene with ‘Jefferson’ . Louis Elsmore as ‘Denis Dobbins’ bought the house down with his over-the-top antics doubling as set builder extraordinaire and ‘Jefferson’s’ heavy! A supporting cast of Cameron Povey, Rebecca Harris and Louis Elsmore as Reporters and Richard Mayes as the Voice of Albany added to the evening’s entertainment. Together, they form a diverse and loveable ensemble that the audiences took to its heart as well as making them laugh out loud. There were a couple of points where I felt the dialogue seemed to slow down a little too much for me, although I believe it was to try and emphasise the dramatic effect and did in no way spoil the enjoyment of the eager audience.

The setting of a small-town rehearsal space and theatre is pivotal to the play’s charm. The modest surroundings, imaginatively envisioned by Craig Hill and the Set Construction Team — represented by a simple set-up with rehearsal furniture and props contrasting sharply with ‘Jefferson’s’ expectations of grandeur of the RSC. This creates much of the comedy, as the realities of amateur theatre are exposed with affectionate wit. The final Shakespearian performance setting, though still modest, takes on a new significance, highlighting the pride and commitment of the group.

Unfortunately, a few gremlins crept into the lighting operation during the performance as the Board seemed to drift off with a mind of it’s own, offering dazzling effects that had nothing to do with the play – the cast were absolutely amazing as they seemed completely unfazed by these ad hoc flashes of myriad colours – congratulations to them all. An appreciative audience were utterly forgiving of the situation totally beyond everyone’s control and admired the fortitude of all those involved when these unexplained occurrences occasionally crop up.

My thanks to everyone at CADS for their generous hospitality and warm welcome as always and I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.