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