A BUNCH OF AMATEURS. Comedy by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman. Directed by Yvonne Copley. Presented by Constantia Theatre Players (CTP). At The Masque Theatre until 27 July, 2019.
SHEILA CHISHOLM reviews
A Bunch of Amateurs relates the tale of a bunch of (very) amateurish thespians rehearsing for their forthcoming King Lear production. Without notice, their sponsor withdraws sponsorship. The cast are willing to play multiple roles, but when their leading man falls away the show is in serious trouble.
The show goes on in 17 vignettes
Undaunted, director Dorothy Nettle (Debi Thomas Hawkins) is determined to follow theatrical tradition that ‘no matter what, the show goes on.’ How exactly she does this unravels in 17 vignettes, which with a little help from AV visuals, shift between theatre, Heathrow Airport, streets and rooms in Mary’s guest house.
Dorothy’s first step to finding a leading man is to approach a theatrical agency – this despite (unsuitable) Nigel Dewbury (Nigel Sweet) seeing himself as a suitable King Lear – what’s more he’s word perfect.
When American screen idol Jefferson Steele (John Herrick) flies in from LA, Nigel shows his resentment by fining Jefferson Steele every time he swears – which is often.
As a personality Jefferson Steele (as he calls himself) is as much a self-centered man as Shakespeare’s King – except Jefferson Steele can’t remember his lines. Unlike Nigel, blond bombshell Mary Plunkett (Pam Burger) takes a fancy to Jefferson Steele as does rather dim Denis Dobbins (Grant Rea) who offers himself as Jefferson Steele’s bodyguard.
Rehearsals weren’t going too smoothly when Lauren Bell (Sophia Smith), the ex-sponsor’s wife, reverses her husband’s decision so she can play Goneril. Then Jefferson Steele’s estranged daughter Jessica (Sonika Gerber) unexpectedly arrives to visit her father. Relationships go on roller-coaster rides until A Bunch of Amateurs ends in grand style.
Convincing character portrayals
There is much to commend Yvonne Copley’s direction. Each player gives a convincing interpretation of their particular character. Thomas Hawkins is strong and decisive; Sweet – a good comedian – uses his eyes to great advantage; Burger gets her laughs coyly twiddling her fingers hoping to catch Jefferson Steele’s attention; Rea who brings ‘brilliant ideas’ to his multiple parts times his punch lines well. Both Smith and Gerber fit snugly into their characters as does Herrick whose acting skill should prove an asset to local theatre.
What doesn’t work are the numerous scene changes. No matter how efficient backstage staff are moving flats and furniture, the time wasted doing so not only breaks Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s story line, character development is disrupted and viewers tend to lose the plot.
Still, A Bunch of Amateurs entertains.
What: A Bunch of Amateurs
When: Until 27 July 2019
Where: Masque Theatre, Muizenberg, Cape Town
Book: Computicket, 021 788 1898
WS
