Monday 14th and Monday 21st November at 7:45pm at The Players Theatre

A Bunch Of Amateurs by Nick Newman & Ian Hislop - Directed by Steve Lambell

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!

Cast 4F,3M

• Jefferson Steel - a fading Hollywood star who is arrogant, insecure, brash, gauche, demanding, vulnerable and ultimately aware of his own absurdity.
• Dorothy Nettle - director of the Stratford Players and the moving force behind keeping the theatre alive. Her sweet and accommodating manner conceals her inner steel.
• Jessica Steel - Jefferson’s daughter, who has been neglected by her Hollywood star father and now wants to make him pay for it.
• Nigel Dewsbury - 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 - owner of the Rectory bed and breakfast. Jolly, generous and an unashamedly adoring Jefferson Steel fan-although somewhat confused about which roles he played in the films, and how keen he is on her.
• Denis Dobbins - 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 - marketing executive former physiotherapist and the sponsors wife. Passionate about the arts and smarter than her husband allows her to be, she’s treated as a bimbo because of her looks.

None of the parts are pre cast, everybody is welcome to audition, new members and long standing members. If you would like to discuss the audition process or any of the parts or receive a copy of the script then please contact auditions@thameplayers.co.uk

I'm also looking for technical assistance. If you have ever wanted to direct, stage manage, set design, set build, sound, lights, wardrobe, props, prompt or would like the chance to sit and watch and work with me on this production please get in touch. At present I have nobody to fill any of those roles but our existing members can mentor, teach or generally help you if you are interested.

Rehearsals will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7.45 -10.00 starting Tuesday 3rd January.

Performance dates 7th - 11th March 2023

For more details contact auditions@thameplayers.co.uk