NEXT in the spotlight at Staveley Roundhouse is a stage version of a successful big screen comedy.

Originally a hilarious 2008 British movie starring Burt Reynolds, Samantha Bond, David Jacobi and Imelda Staunton, A Bunch of Amateurs has been adapted for theatre by its writers, Ian Hislop and Nick Newman.

Running from Monday-Saturday, July 23-28 (7.30pm), centre stage among the popular and talented cast of Lakeland actors is Bob Christie who plays Hollywood action hero Jefferson Steele, who comes to ‘Stratford’ after his agent has managed to secure him a part as King Lear. However, things are not what they seem and unfortunately for Jefferson the play won't be put on in the Bard's Stratford hometown but the same-named small Suffolk village. And instead of acting with Kenneth Branagh and Dame Judi Dench his fellow thespians are a bunch of amateurs.

The actors are trying to save their theatre from developers by bringing in a Hollywood star to raise their profile. Jefferson is furious at being mislead by his agent and its not long before his monstrous ego, vanity and insecurity come to the fore.

The director, Dorothy Nettle (played by Alison Hine) is determined to save the society and has the onerous task of controlling Jefferson while trying to pour oil on troubled waters with the rest of the cast and the sponsor’s wife Lauren Bell (Chloe Atkinson).

Jefferson is staying at Mary Plunkett’s (Kate Vernon) bed and breakfast where a full English breakfast is shunned along with Mary’s unwelcome attentions.

Jim Thompson plays Nigel Dewbury who is not a happy bunny at being usurped from playing the lead role and Chris Whiteside takes the role of local plumber Denis, who becomes Jefferson’s 'entourage.'

The arrival of Jefferson’s estranged daughter Jessica, (Abi Lawson), furious at her father for forgetting to collect her from the airport, causes further chaos.

Director Fliss Pocock says it's strange to be directing a play about directing a play. "I think Dorothy’s character is quite a lot like mine.

"I also think that the play is quite topical, several Hollywood actors have taken a break from their film career to come to England and perform on the stage. Let’s hope they didn’t all behave like Jefferson.”

To book go online at www.staveleyroundhouse.com or telephone 015395-61076.