A Bunch of Amateurs

“If you want to see pomposity pricked – go and see an amateur production in which the high and mighty have to play the lowliest parts”

A love letter to amateur dramatics, this comedy for 4 women and 3 men is funny, witty and irreverent with much potential for ‘comic’ licence and farce, via a strong, confident cast. For the classicists among you, there is also a decent dollop of Shakespeare (played straight) enriching the key themes and adding levity and heart to the whole caper. Please note that we may ask for the whole section to be performed, or just apart from one or several sections; audition pieces can be learnt or read during audition. The story so far: 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 Stratford-on-Avon, birthplace of the Bard, but Stratford-St-John, a sleepy Suffolk village in the middle of nowhere. Instead of Branagh and Dench, the cast are a bunch of amateurs desperate to save their theatre from developers. Jefferson’s monstrous ego, vanity and insecurity are tested to breaking point by the enthusiasm of his fellow am-dram thespians. Acting worlds collide, Jefferson’s career implodes, and truths are discovered…alongside his inner Lear. Twists, turns, intrigue, betrayal and general silly nonsense abound.

Characters

Jefferson Steele - 50s - A fading Hollywood star who is arrogant, insecure, brash, gauche, demanding, vulnerable and ultimately aware of his own absurdity. Requires convincing American accent and an ability to turn on the charm. - Script pages: 4 & 5, 28 & 29

Dorothy Nettle - 40s/50s - Director of the Stratford Players and the moving force behind keeping the theatre alive. Her friendly and accommodating manner conceals her dry wit and inner steel. Dorothy also plays the ‘fool’ in linking scenes including some sung Shakespearean verse. Potential for interaction with audience here - confidence in a comic role desirable. - Script pages: 1, 28 & 29

Jessica Steele - 18 - Jefferson’s teenage daughter, who has been neglected by her Hollywood star father and is determined to make him pay for it. Dry, cool, and sarcastic but ultimately ever hopeful that dad cares deep down. Requires American accent. - Script pages: 41 & 42

Nigel Dewbury - 50s/60s - Solicitor and self-proclaimed leading light of the Stratford Players. Pompous, stuck-up, and self-regarding. He believes he is the star of the company and should play all leading roles. Fancies his romantic chances with Dorothy (so, deluded, too). - Script pages: 30 & 31

Mary Plunkett - 40s/50s - Owner of The Rectory bed and breakfast. Unfailingly jolly, generous and blatantly adoring Jefferson Steele fan - although often confused about which parts he actually played. Also confused about how keen he is on her… Great comic role with potential for confident physical actress. - Script pages: 14, 15, 16

Denis Dobbins - 40s/60s - Handyman and village Mr Fixit. Avuncular though slightly dull, Denis is star-struck by Jefferson and keen to head up his entourage of one. Again, great comic potential to mine here. - Script pages: 12, 19

Lauren Bell - 20s/30s - Attractive, quietly glamorous, and well-groomed marketing executive - and sponsor’s wife. A former physiotherapist, she is also passionate about the arts and smarter than her husband’s behaviour indicates; often treated as ‘arm-candy’ rather than the intelligent woman she is. - Script pages: 56 & 57