A Bunch of Amateurs
3rd - 8th September 2018
About The Play
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!
The Cast
JEFFERSON STEEL Richard Gomm
DOROTHY NETTLE Wendy Gomm
MARY PLUNKETT Christine Horth
NIGEL DEWBURY David Holt
DENIS DOBBINS Steve Clark
LAUREN BELL Kate Maslen
JESSICA STEEL Katrina Horth
JOURNALIST Kim Taylor
ENTR’ACTE Tim Alsford
Backstage
Director Dianne Nicholls
Production /Stage Manager Elaine Wilson
Prompt Rosemary Holt
Lighting & Sound Marc Colson
Props Mary Logan & Nancy Kerswill
Set Design Richard Gomm
Set Building Richard Gomm & Club Members
Set Decorating Elaine Wilson & Club Members
Photography Mike Kerswill
Costumes Deborah Pearson
Box Office Judith Stewart-Young
Director's Notes
This production came about because Samuel French Theatre Bookshop sent me an email offering scripts for “A Bunch of Amateurs” at half price. Out of curiosity I sent for a copy and, having read it, I thought it was both funny and something that would suit us. Little did I realize then what a very difficult play it is to produce! However, my wonderful cast and backstage crew have all worked extremely hard and been enormously patient whilst I have fumbled my way through the whole process, and we are pleased to present this play for your enjoyment.
In particular I must thank Richard Gomm for designing the set and the set building and decorating teams for bringing the set to life. I would especially like to thank Elaine Wilson who has been my wing-woman, resident Rottweiler and all-round good egg for all her help and support. Thank you Elaine.
It only remains for me to thank you, our audience, for continuing to support us and I hope you will have an enjoyable evening with a lot of laughs.
Dianne Nicholls
Director
Chairman's Notes
It’s been a while since you were all here after our summer break to carry out maintenance. Much has happened, including winning the Exmouth One Act Play Festival for the second year in a row! For those of you who saw it, the sci-fi spoof Space Tours: Into Knoware was penned by my brother Daniel Hill and was a great achievement for both him and the group. Congratulations once again.
It has been fantastic and very warm summer which has been ideal to test out the new air conditioning we have had installed off the back of our fundraising and a Lottery grant. We are also in the process of having the exterior of the Playhouse redecorated with the remaining money and have been able to repair the fire doors around the building.
Thank you to everyone who has donated money towards the cause – I hope you enjoy being nice and cool through the performance!
After some gentle persuasion Dianne Nicholls has returned to the Directors seat. Putting together a show can be very stressful and she and her cast and crew have worked tirelessly on this brilliant production – including a moving set! They have done a fantastic job and as always I couldn’t be prouder of the group. Hopefully you will be equally as impressed.
Enjoy the performance.
Penny Hill
Chairman