Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

Miss Match (Faith Bucknor) smiles at the audience during the 2007 National Pantomime 'Nuff an Plenty' at the Little Theatre last December. - Colin Hamilton/ Freelance Photographer

In spite of two months' worth of performances under its belt, the LTM National Pantomime, Nuff an Plenty, continues to enjoy a full house, as was evident on Sunday, March 9, at the Little Theatre.

One of the alluring factors of Pantomime is its unique distinction of being the production that showcases great designs. Pantomime 2007/8, Nuff an Plenty, was no exception. The set, designed by Michael Lorde, demonstrated a high level of creativity with attention to detail. Lorde's use of trendy colours for buildings and general decoration were visually pleasing. Also, painted on backdrops, lowered at intervals, were scenes of various buildings that not only complemented those on the stage but reinforced the notion that this was indeed a community with "nuff and plenty".

Moment of excitement

But, the high point of Lorde's designs were the car and the airplane. Large enough to carry three passengers and a driver, the car made its way across the stage to the delight of the audience. Not to be outdone was the airplane, FBN. FBN generated a moment of excitement when it seemed as if it would take off, but alas, that was not to be.

Costumes were also remarkable. Like Lorde, Anya Gloudon captured the 'nuff an plenty' theme in the fabric, styles and colours of the garments worn by each actor/actress. Worthy of mention is the design of the school uniform for the two students, Myute and Teniesha. Props designer, Symonne

With the designs reflecting the theme, it was up to the cast to show greedy and uncouth characters. And they did. Generally, they played characters that were loud and cantankerous.

Poor etiquette

Leading this charge of out-of-sort characters was Lesley-Ann Bernard as Plumpie the winner of a beauty pageant. But, unlike title holders of this ilk Plumpie is chubby and displays poor etiquette. Camille Wilson, as Mummie, Plumpie's mother also did well in showing the unattractiveness of her character's personality. Other members of the cast who performed credibly were Ronald Millwood as Myute and Kishawna Gordon as Teniesha.

Written by Barbara Gloudon, the play Nuff an Plenty has a simple story line and is set in a community of the same name. It begins with a celebration hosted by Miss Gertie the leader of the community. As the play progresses, her leadership is challenged by Mr Gravelicious Brown and his wife Mattitilda. Because of a tainted beauty contest, the Browns were able to lure the other residents of the community into their web of deceit. Gloudon, it seems, used the beauty contest as a mirror to reflect the ugliness in the human race, and when this unpleasantness is revealed, "What a pempeylem!"

Director Robert Clarke guided his cast very well. Providing great support to the director are musical director/composer Grub Cooper, and Kevin Moore, George Howard and Prof Rex Nettleford with movement. In both song and movement, reggae, dancehall and ska were embraced.