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In the latest episode of Showtime, Andrew G sat down with Justine Garnes and Danny Gibbons from Little Lamington Productions to talk about their new comedy series Amateurs. The conversation revealed a heartfelt yet humorous exploration of community theatre, a space where passion reigns supreme even when budgets are non-existent. Justine and Danny described their project as a mockumentary that brings to life the chaos, camaraderie and quirky charm of amateur theatre, celebrating its unique culture through laughter and storytelling.

The pair first met while performing in a production of Clue, where they carpooled to rehearsals and bonded over their shared experiences in theatre. Those long drives planted the seeds for what would eventually become Amateurs. They recalled how community theatre drew them into friendships and creative collaborations that might never have developed otherwise. This sense of connection was at the heart of their decision to create a series that reflects the truth of amateur theatre: that it is a place where people come together not for money or prestige but for love of the craft and for the friendships that bloom around it.

A recurring joke about biscuits at rehearsals captures this atmosphere perfectly. Justine and Danny laughed about how Monte Carlo biscuits disappear instantly while other varieties remain untouched. To outsiders this might seem trivial, yet anyone who has been part of a community group will recognise how these small rituals and preferences become cultural markers, symbols of belonging and shared identity. By weaving in these details the series aims to strike a balance between comedy that insiders will nod knowingly at and humour that wider audiences can appreciate.

The tagline for the series is “all passion, no payday”, a phrase that sums up the heart of community theatre. Unlike professional companies, amateur theatre relies entirely on the dedication of volunteers who devote hours of their free time to rehearsals, set painting, costume sewing, and the endless tasks that bring a show to life. It is not about earning a wage but about creating something together. The series highlights this reality with affection, showing how people pour themselves into productions that might never be seen by more than a few hundred locals but still matter profoundly to those involved.

Justine and Danny explained that the mockumentary style was chosen deliberately because it allows the show to capture the often chaotic, candid moments that define theatre life. They cited shows like Modern Family and The Office as inspirations, where much of the humour lies in the recognisable awkwardness of everyday situations. In Amateurs, this might mean audition self-tapes interrupted by barking dogs, forgotten lines during crucial rehearsals, or last-minute costume disasters. These moments are exaggerated for comic effect but remain rooted in truth, giving the show an authenticity that viewers will recognise whether they have ever stepped on stage or not.

The characters in the series draw heavily from real people the creators have encountered in their theatre journeys. There is the enthusiastic mother returning to the stage after raising children, juggling family responsibilities with late-night rehearsals. There is the passionate diva who treats every community production as if it were a professional opening night. There are the newcomers, the veterans, the backstage volunteers and the ever-optimistic directors who believe every show can be pulled together with tape and goodwill. While these characters are larger than life, they are also treated with empathy, revealing the humanity beneath the quirks.

A deeper theme running through the episode was the importance of community theatre as a cultural and social ecosystem. Justine and Danny described it as a family, a place where people find acceptance and support that might be missing in other areas of life. Unlike workplaces, where competition and hierarchy dominate, or sports clubs, where results can eclipse participation, community theatre thrives on inclusion. It welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, celebrating individuality while uniting everyone in the collective goal of creating a show. In a time when participation in the arts is declining, the series aims to remind audiences of the value of these spaces.

Of course, creating an independent television series comes with practical challenges, particularly financial ones. Justine and Danny spoke about their upcoming fundraiser at the Bo Morris Theatre, a trivia and karaoke night designed to generate support for Amateurs. The event will blend musical theatre trivia with communal singing, games and a silent auction. It reflects the spirit of community theatre itself, bringing people together not just as spectators but as participants. The funds raised will help cover essential costs such as equipment, catering and insurance, while volunteers continue to donate their time and expertise to the project.

Andrew highlighted how grassroots fundraising is an essential tool for independent productions. Unlike large companies with significant backing, small creative teams rely heavily on the generosity of their communities. By attending a fundraiser or sharing information about the project, supporters become part of the journey. Justine and Danny emphasised that the collaborative nature of their project mirrors the community theatre experience itself: it only works when people pitch in.

The conversation concluded with a reflection on the power of humour to connect audiences. While Amateurs is steeped in the details of community theatre, its humour is designed to appeal to anyone. The absurdities of teamwork, ambition, and personal quirks are universal, and by framing them in a comedic style, the show has the potential to reach far beyond theatre enthusiasts. Much like workplace comedies found fans outside of offices, Amateurs hopes to bring the peculiar world of amateur theatre to viewers who may have never considered stepping into a local performance space.

As the episode drew to a close, Andrew, Justine and Danny left listeners with a sense of anticipation. Teasers and updates are on the way, and the fundraiser represents the first step towards bringing the show to screens. For those who love theatre, the series promises inside jokes and affectionate satire. For those unfamiliar, it offers an invitation to laugh and perhaps to appreciate the dedication of the countless volunteers who keep community theatre alive.

The discussion was a reminder that while professional theatre captures headlines and sells out major venues, amateur theatre continues to thrive quietly in suburbs and towns across Australia. It is driven by love, fuelled by biscuits, and sustained by the friendships that grow backstage. Amateurs is set to bring that world into the spotlight, showing that even without paydays, the passion of community theatre is more than enough to make great stories worth telling.