GloudonTHE WHITE Witch of Rose Hall has never been really allowed to rest. If her spirit is not being roused by curious tourists, roaming her rooms for a fee, she is being created and recreated by the pens of various playwrights and novelists.
Once again, 'Mad Annie', as she is also known, will have to turn in her grave (hopefully this time she will be laughing). The famous witch will be the subject of the upcoming season of the national pantomime.
On Monday night the LTM National Pantomime Company launched the 2002/03 Pantomime, Miss Annie. This will be the 62nd staging of the pantomime.
Once again, the script for the pantomime has come from the pen of Barbara Gloudon. This time, however, it is being directed by Robert 'Bobby' Clarke. Clarke is directing his second Pantomime. A former actor and dancer in the pantomime, Clarke also directed Alvin Campbell's 1997 production Jangah Rock. He currently tutor's at the National School of Drama.
Guests were given a mere taste of what can be expected of this season's pantomime. Miss Annie is based on The Witch, an earlier look at the story of Annie Palmer. This time around, the focus is on her love life. It explores the possibility of Annie, despite all her greed, having actually fallen in love. As such, the plot focuses on Annie's final husband. At the same time there is a subplot taking place among the workers (they are deliberately not referred to as slaves) on her sugar plantation. These workers, tired of working for free, have staged industrial action.
The set, a small (although interesting) part of which was displayed, was created by Michael Lorde. Grub Cooper, the musical director of Fab Five, was once again put in charge of creating music for the production, while Ibo Cooper provided additional songs. Gloudon revealed that the music will be played by a full orchestra. This will be led by trombonist Calvin 'Bubbles' Cameron. Costumes are being created by Anya Gloudon while Symonne Coombs is in charge of props.
From what was displayed on Monday night, this year's pantomime promises to be an interesting one. Although not much of the plot was revealed, it appears to be a good bout of slapstick comedy, with the underlying seriousness allowed to peek through. The slapstick element should go over very well with children. Nonetheless, there seems to be enough substance and various levels of humour to make it enjoyable for all ages.
Additionally, audiences should be able to look forward to good performances from Peter Hesslop Albert, Nadine Rawlins Miss Annie, Kevin Roache Kalambe and Carlton Buckner Headman. What was shown of their grasp of their respective roles so far (all of which are key to the success of the production) seems promising.
Of course, it is not wise to tell how well the entire cake will go down just from a 'tups'. So, whether Miss Annie will be a good dose of laughter or a poisonous draught is left to be seen.
Once again, the pantomime will open on Boxing Day, December 26. For the first time, however, it will not be shown at the Ward Theatre in Downtown Kingston. Gloudon remarked that it was a painful decision to make, but it had to be done. She stated that it is hoped that the move is a temporary one, arguing that if the problems plaguing The Ward cannot be resolved, then it is the nail in the coffin for Downtown.
The company also took the time to commend the players who had been involved with the pantomime for over 10 years.
