A Bunch of Amateurs

by Nick Newman & Ian Hislop

on stage at
Christchurch Hall

3 Christchurch Road

Northampton NN1 5LL

7.30pm, 19 - 22 February 2025

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Directed by Graham Breeze

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!

 

Based on the 2008 British comedy film starring Burt Reynolds, Derek Jacobi, Samantha Bond and Imelda Staunton.

WARNING: This play contains strong language.