Reviews

New Forest Players  Ballard School, New MiltonCaroline Burr 09 April 2026 A Bunch of Amateurs, co- written by Ian Hislop (Have I Got News for You) and Nick Newman relates to the arrival of Jefferson Steele, a washed-up Hollywood star, who comes to Stratford to play the lead in King Lear. The problem is that it is Stratford, Sussex and it’s an amateur company! For their part, casting someone who would hopefully make their show a hit, is a ruse by the group to save the venue being closed by the Council. This play provides some tricky challenges – there

SMS Studios  The Rose Theatre, EastleighJon Cockeram 09 April 2026 Stepping Out is a 1984 play by Richard Harris, known both for his screenwriting credits for shows such as The Avengers and The Sweeney as well as his career of writing comedic plays. The show revolves around a weekly tap dance class full of enthusiastic (and rather quirky) amateur ladies (and one lonely gentleman!) who are brought together by their teacher, accompanied by an irascible pianist, to take part in a public performance. The play showcases their journeys, both in terms of skill and personal issues, whilst complicated routines are

Ringwood Musical and Dramatic Society  The Barn, Ringwood SchoolSusanna Greenwood 08 April 2026 Calendar Girls The Musical follows the story of a group of women from a small Yorkshire Women’s Institute. We are invited into the lives of this seemingly ordinary group as they navigate everyday challenges, managing relationships, errant children, golf club etiquette, and the gentle monotony of WI slide shows. Interwoven with these moments is the deeply personal story of Annie and her husband John. As John undergoes treatment for cancer, we witness Annie’s quiet endurance, her internal questioning and the looming uncertainty of life without him. Seeking

P&P Productions   Barrington Theatre, FerndownKD Johnson 25 March 2026 P&P Productions is one of Dorset’s strongest and longest established amateur theatrical companies and has three main divisions.  This production is by the P&P Players, the focus of which group is on the straight dramas, rather than the musical theatre for which the company is best known.  There is always a cross-over of talent between the various divisions and this is both evident and fortunate for the performance of this 1992 play by English dramatist Jim Cartwright. Tonight’s set at the Barrington Theatre (credit to Amy Smith for set design) consists principally

Studio Theatre  Studio Theatre, SalisburySusanna Greenwood 25 March 2026 Richard Harris’ Outside Edge, following an amateur cricket team and their disordered private lives, has been doing the rounds for decades now and remains seemingly as popular today. I note that this is one of three productions occurring locally this Spring. As we enter the auditorium, we are greeted by a gentle, relaxing soundscape of birdsong and nature. The beautifully crafted, high-quality set instantly brings the cricket clubhouse to life and, within the studio environment, creates an almost interactive feel for the audience. This peace and tranquillity is quickly broken with

Maskers Theatre Company    Maskers Studio, SouthamptonSusanna Greenwood 23 March 2026 Maskers Theatre Company has been delivering an eclectic range of plays and live performances in and around Southampton since 1968, impressively covering everything from Shakespeare to Kafka’s Metamorphosis. Born from a handful of dedicated troupe members, they now boast a membership of 120, allowing them to present a varied programme all year round, including an annual open-air production—the jewel in their artistic crown. Beginning life as a touring company, they are well versed in storytelling across a multitude of venues. In 1994, with the help of a National Lottery grant,