The Little Theatre Movement
The Little Theatre Movement (LTM) has the distinction of being Jamaica's longest surviving theatre company of contemporary times. It was founded in 1941 by Henry Fowler and Greta Bourke (later Fowler) to raise funds for the building of a Little Theatre, and to help in the development of drama in Jamaica. From it's inception, the LTM committed itself to a vigorous policy of serving the

One of the first LTM undertakings was the launching of the tradition now known as the National Pantomime. The first production, in 1941, "Jack and the Beanstalk, was in keeping with the tradition of English Theatre from where it came to Jamaica. In that form, a tale of childhood was adapted for the stage with elements of music, song, dance, comedy, drama and colourful costumes and sets.

The Pantomime opened on Boxing Day - December 26 - as was the custom in England. Time's have changed, but in Jamaica, Boxing Day remains constant as the opening day for Pantomime.

That is perhaps the only thing from the British Tradition which has remained unchanged. European folklore has given way to lusty tales of the Caribbean, with dialogue in patois and humour reflecting the robust sense of comedy of these "islands in the sun". The LTM also produced other dramatic works often theatrical classics between 1941-1954 before concentrating solely on the pantomimes. (Click for list)

“Jamaicanizing the Pantomime”
The indigenization of the form owes much to two legends of Jamaican theatre - Louise Bennett -Coverley and the late Ranny Williams who were among the pioneers of the LTM and who did much to mould the annual show into a unique creation, which features aspects of Jamaican culture, folklore and historical references. The Pantomime prides itself on its universal appeal to children and adults alike. In so doing the Pantomime has utilised some of Jamaica's leading talent in every area of production, from script writing to music composition, set and costume design, choreography as well as on-stage performance. The members of the Pantomime Company are called upon to learn various skills

Over the years, the LTM National Pantomime has become a prime source of material for cultural researchers of one kind or another. Primary school children research Pantomime for exam questions, secondary, tertiary and university students exploring Jamaican-Caribbean folk roots for various dissertations also check the Pantomime source as a phenomenon of the region. There is no recorded equivalent of a similar sustained theatre tradition in the English-speaking Caribbean.

More on the Pantomime

Pantomime Personalities over the years
The LTM Pantomime cast lists read as a who's who in Jamaican visual and performing arts. Undoubtedly, the most well known names are Louise Bennett-Coverley and Ranny Williams, who both served as authors as well as performers. The list of famed performers include Oliver Samuels, Leonie Forbes, Lois Kelly-Miller, Charles Hyatt, Volier Johnson, Willard White, Rita Marley, Dawn Penn and others.

Creative Input
Authors
Greta Fowler remarked that "drama is where all arts meet", and the pantomime has recorded a long list of artists who gave their time and talent to the process. Hon. Barbara Gloudon has authored the most pantomimes for the LTM, she is joined in the list of authors by Louise Bennett, Greta Fowler, Lloyd Reckord, Trevor Rhone, Pat Cumper, Ted Dwyer, Dennis Scott and others. (For the full list click here)

Directors
A Pantomime director is required to not only to interpret the author's words but to pull together all the elements of the show - set changes, lighting, costuming and musical numbers. The list of distinguished directors is headed by Brian Heap who began his involvement with the Pantomime as an actor in Pirate Princess. He has piloted over 10 productions and is joined by Robert Clarke another actor who has now directed more than five shows. Past directors include Noel Vaz, Lloyd Reckord, Maurice Harty, Bobby Ghisays and Norman Rae. (For the full list click here)

Musical talent
The Pantomime has always perfromed with a live band using a mixture of folk songs and original music. The talents of Marjorie Whylie, Robert Lightbourne, Grub Cooper, Conroy Cooper, Peter Ashbourne, Boris Gardner, Carlos Malcolm, Desi Jones, Noel Dexter, Ibo Cooper, Lloyd Lovindeer among others have enriched the productions. In an effort to involve up-coming musicians the LTM band has also included past and present students of the Edna Manley College, Kingston Drummers and the Alpha Boys Band.

Artistic talent
Set designers have included Karl Abrahams, Albert Huie, Colin Garland, Lorna Goodison, Laura Facey, Denise Forbes, Larry Watson and Michael Lorde among others. Costumes have been designed by Patrick Waldemar, Norman Russell, Eddy Thomas and Angela Waterlow.

Choreography
The Jamaican dance tradition is also represented with choreographers such as Rex Nettleford, Eddy Thomas, L'antoinete Stines, Jackie Guy, Tony Wilson, Bert Rose, Monica Potts-Lawrence and Joyce Campbell. More on choreography

Further information available - info@ltmpantomime.com