Auditions 9th February – “A Bunch of Amateurs”

SBADS centenary celebrations continue with our next production:  we thought that ‘A Bunch of Amateurs’ could not be more appropriate. The comedy by Ian Hislop & Nick Newman will be directed by Robin Willoughby.

The show

Production dates will be 15th to 17th May 2025.

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!

Auditions

There will be open auditions on Sunday 9th February, 6-9pm at South Brent Village Hall.

If you or someone you know may be interested in taking a role, or you would like to help in any way, please e-mail Robin via bunchofamateurs@sbads.show, or call (01364) 72894, or just come along on the 9th February.

The roles

JEFFERSON STEELE – 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 STEELE – Jefferson’s teenage daughter, who has been neglected by her Hollywood star father and now wants to make him pay for it.

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.

MARY PLUNKETT – Owner of the Rectory bed and breakfast. Jolly, generous and an unashamedly adoring Jefferson Steele fan — although somewhat confused about which roles he played in his 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 – Thirty-something marketing executive former physiotherapist and the sponsor’s wife. Passionate about the arts and smarter than her husband allows her to be, she’s treated as a bimbo because of her looks.

JOURNALISTS – We only hear them offstage.