The Director, Di Jones writes...............

Hello everyone and welcome to 'A Bunch of Amateurs' by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman. Our Spring Production is a light comedy about a rural amateur dramatic group who are desperate to save their small theatre from the developers and come up with the idea of asking a professional actor to lead their production of King Lear. “Across the pond”, a fading action hero is trying to kick start his career and is booked by his agent to play the lead in a Shakespearian masterpiece.  Yes, you’ve guessed it, wires are crossed, and disaster is on the horizon.

Interested? Well read on and find out about the characters involved.

Jefferson Steel -  fading Hollywood star who is arrogant, insecure, brash, gauche, demanding, vulnerable and ultimately aware of his own absurdity.  Playing age 40 - 60 

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.  Playing age 40+

Jessica Steel – Jefferson’s daughter, who has been neglected by her Hollywood star father and now wants him to pay for it. Playing age 19 – 30

Nigel Dewbury – 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.   Playing age 50 +

Mary Plunkett – owner of The Rectory bed and breakfast. Jolly, generous and unashamedly adoring Jerson Steel fan – although somewhat confused about what roles he has played in his films, and how keen he is on her.  Playing age  40+

Denis Dobbins – handyman and village Mr Fixit. Avuncular although slightly dull, Denis is star-struck by Jefferson and fancies heading up his entourage of one.  Playing age  45+

Lauren Bell – marketing executive former physiotherapist and the sponsor’s wife. Passionate about the arts and smarter than her husband allows her to be. Playing age 35+

I will also be looking for journalists and non- speaking members of the Stratford Players

Auditions are on !0th January at 7.30pm and we will be reading the script, so please bring a copy if you have borrowed one from me.

Rehearsals will be on Mondays and Thursdays initially and will start on Monday 7th February at 7.30pm. Thursday rehearsals will start at 8pm and we will start Sunday rehearsals in March. You must be a member of the Mitre Players before we begin rehearsals. Show Dates are:  Wednesday 6th to Saturday 9th April at the Clubhouse. 

Scripts will be available from me for £10 on or before the first rehearsal.

My contact details are: Mobile: 07702 600747; Home: 020 8660 3135. Email: dijones100@hotmail.co.uk

Looking forward to seeing you on 10th January