BE entertained with A Bunch of Amateurs in Malvern.

The comedy by Nick Newman and Ian Hislop, is the Malvern Theatre Players’ next production at the Coach House Theatre, as a matter of fact.

A spokesman said: "Facing the loss of their community theatre, an amateur dramatic group from the Suffolk village of Stratford St John decides that their only hope is to cast a celebrity in their final production.

"To their astonishment, ageing Hollywood action hero Jefferson Steel accepts the role of King Lear. Keen to boost his flagging career, 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."

The spokesman added: "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!"

Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s comedy about a village drama group was originally conceived as a film starring Burt Reynolds, Derek Jacobi and Imelda Staunton. It was selected for the Royal Film Performance in November 2008, where the Queen apparently enjoyed it so much that she had it shown at that year’s Christmas celebrations at Sandringham.

A Bunch of Amateurs marks a significant “first” for the Players - a joint production. The Players are are delighted to be working with Melting Pot, an independent theatre company, who perform locally.

A Bunch of Amateurs opens at The Coach House Theatre in Malvern on Monday April 8, and runs until April 13.

Further details: 01684 892277.