1968/69 LTM NATIONAL
PANTOMIME
ANANCY
AND DOUMBEY
The
Story
Many have proclaimed that it is the
last days for the kingdom, the land is under siege, the crops
have dried up, the fisherman's catch has dwindled - there is a
blight upon the land. The common consensus is that the people's
sins and wicked ways have led to an evil spirit being released
on the land. It breathes fire and sounds like rolling thunder
it is called Doumbey
Something must be done - the King has to be told of the people's
troubles and fears, a delegation must take the concerns to the
Cabinet. Mamie Love, a local widow, is chosen as spokesperson
and soon the villagers arrive at the palace. The King sends out
his Minister for Positive Action Annanias N. Nancy to hear their
woes, but getting in the middle of the whole argument is the King's
eldest daughter, the rude and obnoxious, Princess Euphemia, the
Minister of Beauty Culture. Euphemia is the total opposite to
the younger Princess June Rose, an unassuming beauty who loves
to wander about the country side unnoticed.
In response to the people's concerns, a royal decree is made -
anyone who slays the wicked beast can name their own reward. The
first contender, Wild Bill, steps forward and names his price
of £5,000. The second contender, Daniel, a politician, demands
that if he wins - the King will abdicate the throne, and the land
made a Republic, and of course, that he become the President.
When no one else steps forward, Mamie Love reluctantly signs up.
Her request - that her son Johnathan, a dreaming flute player
is made the Minister of Culture. Anancy too, has his sneaky plans
to get his own reward.
The contenders head off to find Doumbey and Johnathan, though
worried about his mother, helps her prepare to fight Doumbey.
He is distracted for a short while by a meeting with a beautiful
young stranger (an incognito June Rose) but the lovers' conversation
is cut short as Doumbey strikes again
When the mist clears - it is discovered that the King, the Palace
and the Ministers have all disappeared. Princess Euphemia declares
herself "heiress presumptive to the throne" and plans
a concert for the return of the winning contender. Anancy emerges
first - declaring victory but his trickery is shown up when once
again Doumbey strikes. But this time - Doumbey is vanquished!
It is Johnathan's pure heart and love for June Rose that conquers
the evil spirit. The palace and its inhabitants reappear and Johnathan
is rewarded with the hand of his love and all is well in the end
Cast
of Characters |
Musical
Numbers |
Mamie
Love: Louise Bennett |
Act
One: Act Two: |