A TALENTED cast from Rubery Drama Group were tasked with being actors playing actors in their latest offering ‘A Group of Amateurs’.
The story centres on a washed-up Hollywood superstar who arrives in England thinking he going to be playing the title role in ‘King Lear’ in Stratford-upon-Avon.
But, in reality, rather than Shakespeare’s birthplace, he is in the Suffolk village of Stratford St John, playing alongside the group of enthusiastic – but not very talented – ‘Stratford Players’.
The multitude of contrasting characters were great as individuals – together, with the way they bounced off each other and interacted, they were magnificent.
Diane Trueman was forceful when needed as diplomatic director Dorothy and Roy Watton played practical Dennis and ‘Jefferson’s entourage’ perfectly.
Charlotte Murphy was lively as hopeful sponsor and talented physiotherapist Lauren – featuring in one of the best visual scenes – Jefferson’s massage.
Dani Frida Miguel played the snipy and hard-done-by daughter Jessica well. The audience really feeling for her and her childhood.
Ian Kimberley-Ryan was excellent as pompous, eccentric and often over the top Nigel – he was made for that role.
But the best performance of the night was by Ben Pugh in the lead role of Jefferson. He captured the arrogant, sometimes obnoxious, then humbled American persona perfectly. Whether making ridiculous demands or entering into fits of rage.
There were plenty of laugh out loud moments for the packed out crowd to enjoy but also poignant moments and social comment in this production – ironically including one about ‘am dram’. Every one, whether funny or thought-provoking, was brilliantly delivered.
Shout out to Wendy Pardoe, Jon Anscombe and Paul Lloyd as the stereotypical tabloid hacks and paparazzi. They also earned themselves a few chuckles portraying the bizarre relationship between celebrity and the national press.
Overall this show is well worth a watch – it’s feelgood farce at its finest.
A Bunch of Amateurs runs until Saturday, April 20, at Beacon Church Centre. Call 0121 445 2323 or 0121 453 8733 for more information and tickets.
