A Bunch of Amateurs
BY IAN HISLOP & NICK NEWMAN
11TH – 13TH APRIL 2024
DIRECTED BY COLIN ALDOUS
SUMMARY
Keen to boost his flagging career, fading Hollywood action hero Jefferson Steele arrives in England to play King Lear in Stratford – only to find that this is not the birthplace of the Bard, but a sleepy Suffolk village. And instead of Kenneth Branagh and Dame Judi Dench, the cast are a bunch of amateurs trying to save their theatre from developers. Jefferson’s monstrous ego, vanity and insecurity are tested to the limit by the enthusiastic am-dram thespians. As acting worlds collide and Jefferson’s career implodes, he discovers some truths about himself – along with his inner Lear!
"Terrific comedy packed with killer comic dialogue... plenty of twists and turns."
WhatsOnStage
“Deliciously stuffed with Shakespeare...a laugh-a-minute” **** - Mail on Sunday
Casting: 3M, 4F
JEFFERSON STEELE (M playing age 50 – 60’s)
A fading Hollywood star/action hero who is arrogant, insecure, brash, gauche, demanding, vulnerable and ultimately aware of his own absurdity.
DOROTHY NETTLE (F playing age 35-50)
Director of the Stratford Players and the moving force behind keeping the theatre alive. Her sweet and accommodating manner conceals her inner steel.
JESSICA STEELE (F playing age 18-25) -
Jefferson's daughter, who has been neglected by her Hollywood star father and now wants to make him pay for it.
NIGEL DEWBURY (M playing age 50+)
Solicitor and leading light of the Stratford Players. Pompous, stuck-up and self-regarding, he believes he is the star of the show, and should play all the leading roles. He also fancies his romantic chances with Dorothy.
MARY PLUNKETT (F playing age 40-60)
Owner of the Rectory bed and breakfast. Jolly, homely, generous and an unashamedly adoring Jefferson Steele fan -- although somewhat confused about which roles he played in his films, and how keen he is on her.
DENIS DOBBINS (M playing age 30+)
Handyman and village Mr. Fixit. Avuncular though slightly dull, Denis is star-struck by Jefferson and fancies heading up his entourage of one.#
LAUREN BELL (F playing age 30-40)
Thirty-something marketing executive former physiotherapist and the sponsor's wife. Passionate about the arts and smarter than her husband allows her to be, she's treated as a bimbo because of her looks.
Journalists
It is the directors intention to also have 3 – 4 journalists/photographers, live rather than recorded and only heard off Stage, would like these also to double as stage crew etc.
Playing ages are a guide only, what is more important is the characters fit together well. Clearly Jefferson and Jessica must be believable as father and daughter and should both be able to carry off an American accent.