Hook Players was formed by a bunch of amateurs in 1986, so we thought we’d celebrate our 40th Birthday by staging A Bunch of Amateurs by Nick Newman and Private Eye editor / Have I Got News for You! panellist Ian Hislop this summer!
Nick Newman and Ian Hislop
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!
Evening performances will be on Thursday 9th, Friday 10th & Saturday 11th July, with an additional afternoon performance on the Saturday. Watch this space for more information!
This amateur production of ‘A Bunch of Amateurs’ is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
Join in the fun!
It’s not all about being on the stage.
So much goes on backstage including set design, painting and building, making costumes, make-up, sound, lighting and special effects, gathering props or simply helping with the front-of-house on performance nights. If you are interested in getting involved, even if you don’t see yourself treading the boards, please email . There is something for everyone.
If you can’t get involved this time, then please buy a ticket, sit back and enjoy the show.
We are actively seeking plays for future productions and holding play readings, where members read through possible scripts. If you are interested in attending, please send your details via for more information. These play readings are very informal and you don’t have to read if you don’t want to. It’s a great initial introduction to Hook Players and is a good opportunity to meet the group.
We’d like to thank everyone who came and joined us in our 40th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday 6th June, 2026. There was a lot of reminiscing and catching up by members past and present over a sumptuous 3 course meal, live entertainment from our band, comedy sketches, cake cutting, etc. Here’s a reel of photos from the event.
Don’t forget, we’ll be staging a Bunch of Amateurs next month, right here at the Elizabeth Hall from 9-11th July.
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