Film & Theatre, Reviews | Posted on August 16th, 2024 | return to news
A Bunch of Amateurs
A Bunch of Amateurs is being performed by Grass Roots Theatre Company at the Allendale Centre Theatre in Wimborne.
Review by Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsrtview.co.uk
This production is just so entertaining. For a start, this play by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman is very funny, but it also gives this talented new theatre company the chance to prove that they can also deliver lines from Shakespeare with such passion.
‘A Bunch of Amateurs’ is about an amateur theatre group that is struggling to survive but when they find a Hollywood actor to star in their next production of King Lear they are convinced they have been given a lifeline.
Jefferson Steele had been told by his Hollywood agent that he would be appearing in the title role in Stratford – but it turns out to be with the Stratford Players in Suffolk and not the birthplace of Shakespeare.
Alan Colclough – who was interviewed in July’s issue of Viewpoint Magazine recently – absolutely nails the persona of the faded star, as he does with all the parts he has played over the years. His character is selfish, entitled and very vain, which only adds to the humour as he interacts with the other characters.
Julia Savill, who has over 40 years’ experience across theatre, TV, film and radio, is always astonishingly good, and she is just superb as the harassed theatre director Dorothy.
Simon Meredith’s character as Nigel requires him to overact at all times, which causes a great deal of merriment. James Soulsby is relatively new to the acting scene, but he is proving that comedy is certainly his forte with his quirky portrayal of Dennis.
Chelsea Sherry is delightfully flirty as landlord/actress Mary, with Lisa Watkinson as Lauren and Jill Richmond as Jefferson’s daughter also putting in good all-rounded performances.
And accolades must also go to highly experienced director/producer Tracy Jane Murrey for getting the very best out of this talented company.
The Allendale must be delighted too that Grass Roots have chosen to be based at the centre – and they will be back on 8 December with A Christmas Carol.
In the meantime, I would urge you to try to get a ticket for tonight (Friday) or Saturday. Book at: theallendale.org/tickets. You don’t want to miss a great evening out.
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