Like all key members when they first start with Act One Productions, Malcolm Nossiter, our set designer and videographer, has conceded to the inevitable. No matter what Picasso style drawings he comes up with and attention to fine detail, it will always end up with a wonky this, an oversized that, and, of course, luminous colours oozing from every seam.
It’s good to know though that he can always have a refreshing groan with our writer Jacy Brean, who also feels her artistic talents being challenged. “What do you mean, Prince Charming has a dodgy moustache?” “What has Humpty Dumpty got to do with Aladdin?” and “Why, oh why, do we always have to have a menagerie of animals from crabs to elephants? Jule, have you ever read any of these stories?” (Umm, secret confession - I haven’t). Jacy, our esteemed writer, screams, not for the first time either!
Less vocal are Ryan Deponio our longest standing actor and Nathan Turtle our lighting and sound manager, but I do know they’re constantly Skyping each other, a reason I think why my ears are always burning. Every now and then they have their little outburst, Nathan politely trying to ask why he has had to change the same track ten times only to be told, “I know! Let’s go back to the original!” “So what’s the problem, Jule?” says Nathan. “I needed to see if the other ten worked!”
Ryan Deponio, very tentatively, tries to broach a question about the costumes, while Jean Fox has already had a nervous breakdown from the designs I’ve have sent her. “Jule”, Ryan asks, “How I am going to be Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum at the same time?” “Tommy Cooper”, I retort, somewhat brusquely, “Any more questions?” “N-no”, Ryan replies, “that explains everything, I think. ” His eyes glaze over.
Look, before you all think I am this crazy, head-full-of-flowers-Teletubby-outcast, my needs are simple. Just get into my head. It’s all weird and fanciful in there - just think of us as the Shrek of pantomimes, only minus Shrek. Shrek Hang on a min! Shrek in this year’s Cinderella! Ooh, wonder how we can get him in? Umm, maybe Fiona as well –what do you think guys – guys – guys…….
For more information about performances for schools, theatres, families and residential homes, please check out our website touringpantomimecompany. Co. Uk