Welcome to Hook Players
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!
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
Deadline for signing up to the Hook Players 40th Anniversary Celebration is 16th May.
The details..
Date: Saturday 6th of June 2026
Venue: The Elizabeth Hall, Raven Road,
Hook, RG27 9HH
The Programme:
14:00 – (from) arrive to a glass of Fizz. 🥂
Mingle, meet old and new friends and reminisce.
Find a table to sit with your friends.
15.00 - 3 Course Meal - (picture of menu attached for you to choose) 🍽️
Bring your own drinks with glasses OR
Use the bar for bottles of wine, beer and soft drinks. All at discount prices. 🍸🍹🍺
Teas and Coffees – courtesy of Hook Players. ☕️
Entertainment:
Take part in the Quiz.
Look at the “Props” table and decide which play.
Use the Photo Booth on the Stage with a variety of hats.🎩👒
Nominal cost of £1 per photo transferred.
The band, guests artists, stand ups, will perform for you.
A showing of “Every Panto That Ever Was In Under 15 Minutes”.
A montage of video clips from over the years. 📽️
Maybe a couple of silly songs. 🤭
A slide show of photos. 🎞️
There will be a book for you to write your favourite one-liners 📒
Starting with the first line ever and finishing with last line last year.
A small taster from our current Production
“A Bunch of Amateurs” – to whet your appetite.
19:30 Cutting of the cake by two special guests. 🎂
We have booked the Hall until 21.00 but will need 30 minutes to clear up.
……………………………………………………………….
Sunday 7th of June 2026
There will be a walk from the Calleva Arms to Roman Ruins and back on the Sunday morning starting at 10.30 – about 3 hours and dog friendly.
You can walk and eat or just walk or just eat.
Post Code RG7 2PH
NOT COMPULSORY!!!
We need the following information from you all please:
Choice of Starter:
Choice of Main:
Choice of Sweet:
Menu attached.
Mug with 40th Logo (approx. £12) : YES/NO
T-Shirt (approx.£15.00) : YES/NO
Size: XS to XXL
Both Walk and Eat: YES/NO
Just Walk: YES/NO
Just Eat: YES/NO
Please pay by bank transfer to:
Sort Code: 23-05-80
Account Number: 55 07 50 06
Use REF: 40 Surname Initial
Cost: £40 per attendee
(£20 if in full time education)
It would be useful for reconciliation to send separate amount for each attendee.
Mugs and T-shirts can paid at the same time or on the day by c.c.
Separate transfer please with:
REF: MUG Surname OR
TS Surname
Please reply to Warwick (Howe) on:
You can buy tickets to our upcoming production, A Bunch of Amateurs.