BUNCH OF AMATEURS

(Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch, Mar 6-9)

Tickets are now on sale for Whitchurch Little Theatre Group’s very funny production of ‘A Bunch of Amateurs’ at the town’s Civic Centre next month.

Written by Ian Hislop (Private Eye, Have I Got News For You) and Nick Newman, this is a love-letter to amateur dramatics. 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!

A Bunch of Amateurs was a film starring Burt Reynolds with Derek Jacobi, Samantha Bond and Imelda Staunton but the Whitchurch cast has local actors Rob Tovey as Jefferson Steele, Clare Ruffell, Nigel Davies, Jasmine Hall, Neil Ruffell, Debbie Alexander and Jenny Matthews. It is directed by Therese Hickland. There is some strong language.

Tickets cost £8 first night and £10 for nights two and three and are available from Whitchurch Civic Centre, Sandra on 01948 663220 and on-line on www.wltg.org.uk

IAIN STIRLING – U OK HUN? X

(Walker Theatre, Shrewsbury, Mar 2)

Iain Stirling is back after a summer narrating smash hit Love Island (ITV2) and now you can see his actual face on his brand new tour!

After selling out his entire Edinburgh Fringe run out in advance and adding shows due to extra public demand, the BAFTA winning comedian now hits the road to perform his acclaimed, hot ticket show around the UK.

Join the 'star of comedy' as he explores dinner party etiquette and the pressures on a generation brought up in a world of instant gratification. How has modern living affected our ability to find long term happiness? Can social media ever reflect real life? And why is the floor lava?

As well as hosting ITV2's newest hit comedy gameshow CelebAbility, Iain's intuitive razor-sharp humour has previously been seen on Virtually Famous (E4), Drunk History and Russell Howard's Stand Up Central (both Comedy Central), Russell Howard's Good News and Sweat the Small Stuff (both BBC Three) and Fake Reaction and Safe Word (both ITV2).

Tickets cost £13 and the show starts at 8pm – call 01743 281 281.