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!

Nick Newman and Ian Hislop
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.

A Bunch of Amateurs, by Nick Newman and Ian Hislop

Play Readings

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.

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Hook Players23 hours ago
There will be a play reading of Hansel and Gretel this Thursday as a possible panto selection for our autumn production.

Please do come join us if you’re interested. You don’t have to read out the script if you don’t want to.

WHEN:
Thursday, 23rd June 2026
TIME:
7:30pm (room booked from 7pm)
WHERE:
Meeting room at The Raven pub, Station Road, Hook

If anyone would like a reading copy of the script beforehand to set up on your device, please comment below. We’ll also have the script on a big screen.

*Art generated by creen.ai
Hook Players
Hook Players1 day ago
Apologies for the late post.

We would like to thank everyone who came to watch A Bunch Of Amateurs staged between 9th-11th July. We had a wonderful time bringing it to you and we know you thoroughly enjoyed it as you told us so. 🥰

We had so many photos to choose from to make the following reel and it was no easy task!

Hope you enjoy it!

Music: Celebration
Musician: Alexander Nakarada
Site: https://filmmusic.io/song/4759-celebration
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Hook Players
Hook Players
Hook Players1 week ago
“They’re not a bunch of amateurs, they’re a bunch of professionals!” said an audience to our show last night.

Last day of performance and 2 shows today, at 2:30pm and 7:30pm.

If you’re unable to buy online, tickets can be purchased at the door.

https://hookplayers.co.uk/box-office/

#ABOA
#hookplayers40th
Hook Players