AMATEUR thespians attempting to save their theatre from developers by calling on a washed-up Hollywood action hero is the premise of Gainford Drama Group’s latest autumnal offering.
A Bunch of Amateurs, written by Ian Hislop, of Have I Got News for You fame, and comedian Nick Newman, is a play within a play, based on the 2008 screenplay.
Gainford Drama Group’s two-week run, which opens next month at the village’s Academy Theatre, is directed by Maria Lowcock and will see Keith Irons channelling inner faded film star vibes as he takes on the starring role of Jefferson Steele – a character played by Burt Reynolds on the big screen.
Keen to boost his flagging career Steele arrives in England to play King Lear in Stratford, only to find it is not the birthplace of the Bard, but a sleepy Suffolk village.
Instead of Kenneth Branagh and Dame Judi Dench, he is surrounded by a bunch of amateurs trying to save their theatre from developers.
Alison Ivanec, as Dorothy Nettle, is director of the players desperate to save the theatre.
Peter Storr takes on the role of an ego-centric luvvy, Nigel Dewbury, with Glynn Casswell as Denis Dobbins, a handyman-cum-thespian.
Local B&B owner Mary Plunkett will be played by Josephine Longstaff with Bethany Lewis-Burrows as an angst-ridden daughter Jessica Steele and Lissy Rawlings as Lauren Bell, the wife of the theatre’s sponsor.
Ego-centric Steele’s vanity and insecurity are tested to the limit by the enthusiastic am-dram troupe.
As acting worlds collide, Steele’s career implodes with hilarious consequences – so expect a lot of laughs as he discovers some home truths along with his inner Lear.
A Bunch of Amateurs runs from Wednesday, November 16, until Saturday November 19, and then Wednesday November 23, until Saturday November 26. Curtain is up on evening performances at 7.30pm and both Saturdays feature matinees starting at 2pm.
Tickets, priced at £10, which includes a programme, can be purchased through the box office by calling 07760 244 840 (Monday to Friday 5pm to 7pm).
Alternatively, visit www. ticketsource.co.uk/Gainford-academy-theatre.
