The Runner Boy (centre) is celebrated by members of the Yam Hill community in the Little Theatre Movement National Pantomime 2008 'Runner Boy', held at Little Theatre, Tom Redcam Avenue on Friday December 26. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

On Friday, Boxing Day, the curtains went up for The Little Theatre Movement's (LTM) 2008/2009 Pantomime. Titled Runner Boy the show opened at its second home, The Little Theatre on Tom Redcam Avenue. It was a full house.

The audience, including groups of families showed up for a treat of high drama, and great spectacle. They laughed at the mention of the names of some of the characters in the opening announcement. And at the end of the show the overwhel-ming conclusion was that Runner Boy was worth its weight in gold.

Runner Boy is set in the fictional community of Yam Hill and backstage at the stadium. Written by Barbara Gloudon, it tells the story of Marcus, played by Ronald Millwood, who having won the track event Yamalympics in his community, is subsequently chosen to represent his school, Yam Hill High, at Champs, in the city.

Overcome obstacles

Marcus' record breaking perfor-mance at Champs results in him being chosen to represent his village and the country at the 'Big Lympics'.

But Marcus, dubbed Runner Boy by the villagers, has some obstacles to overcome. First, he has to convince his grandparents, Maas Joshie (Ray Jarett) and Miss Janey (Pauline Woodbine), to pay the entrance fee for Champs. They think he should focus on his studies, so that he will be as brilliant as Marcus Mosiah Garvey, whom he was named after.

The cast of Runner Boy, performed creditably. Their deliveries were clear as expected from a production of this nature, but their tendency to shout while singing should be addressed by musical director Grub Cooper.

Faith Bucknor as Miss Fagan was comedic in her misuse and mispronunciation of words. Jarett, Woodbine, Howard and Thomas were convincing in their roles as were the four young stars: Milwood, Kishawna Gordon (Shawna Kay) Toni-Ann Fraser (Sheeka) and Cadine Hall as Denny.

But the gold medal for excellent characterisation goes to Kevin Halstead as Man-Man, the drunkard who is a handyman at Maas Joshie and Miss Janey's place of business.

Man-Man is the voice of reason and in a sense becomes the weaver of fate. Halstead was excellent in his interpretation of the role and demonstrated beautiful timing in his delivery.

The quality of his talent was particularly on show in the 'Glory Scene', where he pantomimed the opening of the ceremony. His brilliantly executed and well defined actions had the audience spellbound.

Set design

Director, Robert 'Bobby' Clarke and his crew of designers seemed to have worked as a team. Each element, costumes, props and set design were complimentary.

Michael Lorde was very creative in his set design. The set was superb; the various backdrops were well painted with attention to detail. The stone bridge and the shops were fantastic. From the speed with which set changes occurred, it is obvious that the set was not only a feast to the eyes, but easy to move as well.

Costumes designed by Anya Gloudon-Nelson enhanced the theme and style of the show. They were colourful and, in some instances ridiculous as should be the case.

Kevin Moore and Professor Rex Nettleford, were in charge of movements. Their use and incorporation of the various genres of Jamaican dances was entertaining.

On a whole, Runner Boy was very entertaining. It promises to be a success, especially when the minor glitches that afflicted it on opening night are cured. And once again the LTM, through its annual pantomime, has demonstrated that a production does not need sex to sell.