A COMEDY described as a ‘love letter to amateur dramatics’ is next on the bill from the performers at Rugby Theatre.
A Bunch of Amateurs follows faded Hollywood action hero Jefferson Steel, who 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 instead.
Rather than acting with Sir Kenneth Branagh and Dame Judi Dench, he finds himself onstage with a bunch of amateurs trying to save their theatre from developers.
Show director Nicky Main said: “We have had great fun in rehearsals despite knowing the play inside out – you can’t help but laugh along.
“Anyone who has ever been involved in am-dram will immediately recognise the characters and dilemmas faced by the eclectic mix of personalities that are the Stratford Players.”
Jefferson’s monstrous ego, vanity and insecurity are tested by the enthusiastic amateur thespians – who are not averse to a spot of ego, vanity and insecurity themselves. As acting worlds collide and Jefferson’s career implodes, he discovers some truths about himself and his relationships with other people – along with his inner Lear.
Written by satirical cartoonist Nick Newman and Private Eye editor Ian Hislop, the play was adapted for the stage after the success of the film – and it is Newman who describes it as a ‘love letter to amateur dramatics.’
Nicky added: “It has been great working with experienced members of Rugby Theatre such as husband and wife Andy and Ruth MacCallum, who play Jefferson Steel and Dorothy Nettle respectively. But I have also enjoyed giving an opportunity to new members such as Elle Hay, who is playing Jessica Steel.
“After a delay of two years, and the frustrations we have all faced during that time, this is a play to just sit back and laugh along with any night of the week.”
A Bunch of Amateurs runs from September 10-17, with a two-for-one ticket offer on full price tickets on Monday (September 12). Visit www.rugbytheatre.co.uk or call 01788 541234 for tickets.
