Auditions - A BUNCH OF AMATEURS
"To be great, or to be amateur? That is the question.”
Fading Hollywood action hero Jefferson Steele needs a comeback. His agent has booked him the role of a lifetime: King Lear in Stratford! He pictures the glory, the critics, the reverence...
...but there's been a slight geographical mix-up.
Instead of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Jefferson finds himself in a sleepy Suffolk village with the Stratford Players—a passionate (and wonderfully eccentric) amateur dramatics society desperately trying to save their beloved theatre from the wrecking ball.
It's a clash of colossal egos and chaotic cultures! Can a self-obsessed Tinseltown diva learn the true meaning of ensemble from a charming group of well-meaning but utterly unprepared "amateurs"? As the worlds of high-stakes Hollywood and home-grown hustle collide, Jefferson's monstrous vanity, insecurity, and total lack of Shakespearean experience are tested to the limit.
From the brilliant comic minds of Ian Hislop and Nick Newman, this heartwarming and hilarious comedy is a genuine love letter to amateur theatre. Get ready for a riotous night of mistaken identity, theatrical mayhem, and a fading star finding his inner self—and his inner Lear!
Character Breakdown:
Jefferson Steel (Main character)
Playing age 50+
Jefferson is a fading Hollywood star who is arrogant, insecure, brash, gauche, demanding, vulnerable and ultimately aware of his own absurdity
Dorothy Nettle
Playing age 35 - 50
Dorothy is the Director of the Stratford Players and the strong moving force behind keeping the theatre alive. She has a sweet and accommodating manner which conceals her steely determination.
Jessica Steel
Playing age 16 – 25
Jefferson’s teenage daughter. She has been neglected by her Hollywood star father and now wants to make him pay for it. Rebellious
Nigel Dewbury
Playing age 50 – 70
Nigel is a solicitor and a leading light I the Stratford Players. He is pompous, stuck up and self-regarding, believing he is the star of the show and that he should play all leading roles. He also fancies his romantic chances with Dorothy
Mary Plunkett
Playing age 40 – 60
Mary is the owner of The Rectory bed and breakfast. She is jolly, generous and unashamedly adores Jefferson Steel. She does get confused about which Hollywood films he has starred in and how keen Jefferson is on her
Denis Dobbins
Playing age 40 – 60
Denis is kind and friendly although rather dull. The village handyman and Mr Fixit. He is starstruck by Jefferson and fancies heading up his entourage of one
Lauren Bell
Playing age 30 – 40
Lauren is a 30 something marketing executive and a former physiotherapist. She is also the sponsors wife. She is passionate about the arts and smarter than her husband allows her to be. She is treated as a bimbo because of her looks
2 x journalists – only heard offstage
by Nick Newman and Ian Hislop
Directed by Ben Bennett
Audition date: Saturday 09 January, 1 - 4pm
No. of performances: seven
Performance dates: Monday 10 - Saturday 15 May 2027 June (incl. Sat matinee)
Guide Bridge Theatre auditions are open to all. Whilst you can simply turn up for the auditions it would be helpful if you register that you are planning to audition for a play, and indicate which part(s) you are interested in audition@gbtheatre.co.uk
Please note
All actors offered a part in a GBT production must become an Active Member or Junior Friend (linked to an Active Member or Friend of Guide Bridge Theatre) within 14 days of being cast. For more information see our Membership page.