1960/61 LTM NATIONAL PANTOMIME
CARIB
GOLD
The
Story
The market of Chief Town comes alive with several vendors
including Benjy the jeweller and his apprentice "Dreaming
Derek". A famed jeweller in the market Benjy's work is in
demand and Charles Poulette, a rich dandy has come to have a gold
filigree wedding ring made for his intended bride Rosamund. Derek,
strolls through the market meeting friends and other customers
and bumps into the beautiful Rosamund. When he finally reaches
work Benjy is enraged accusing Derek of time wasting and being
lazy. Derek retaliates angrily pointing out that it was his mother
who raised Benjy when he was an abandoned child. The quarrel comes
to an end with Derek going to seek his fortune elsewhere
Derek joins up with a small band of Pork-knockers. The Pork-knockers
mine for gold in the rivers that run through the forest. Over
dinner one evening they discuss the legend of King Mambobo. It
is said that King Mambobo lives with his daughter in a palace
of pure gold. The princess had been bewitched and now everything
she touches turns to gold. She is cared for by her grandmother
Mantiripia who takes her for a daily bath by a special spot in
the river. This special spot is filled with gold nuggets but it
is not easy to find and Mantiripia protects the princess with
her Magic Twig which freezes any unwanted guest. Derek enchanted
by the tale sets out on his way into the depths of the forest
in search of Mantiripia and the Magic Twig. Through cunning and
wiles he is able to steal the twig and eventually makes his way
to the palace of King Mambobo.
Captured by the Palace guards, Derek is hauled before the King.
Derek pretends to be a suitor enamoured by the sweet voice of
the Princess. Mambobo is incensed at the impertinence of the young
man and orders he be thrown in the dungeon. With a twirl of the
Magic Twig, Derek makes good his escape and runs into the forest
where a glinting piece of gold catches his eye.
Back in Chief Town, there is great excitement as news of Derek's
large gold find is in all the newspapers. Derek returns to Chief
Town to a warm welcome, and pledges his love for Rosamund. Rosamund's
father, happy to be rid of the pompous Poulette, has no objections
as a wedding takes place
Cast of Characters
Derek: Franklyn St. Juste
Rosamund: Judy Willoughby
Barry: Ranny Williams
Cookmissi: Louise Bennett
Benjy:Tony Henry
Clara: Carmen Manley/ Alma Hylton
Charles Poulette: Charles Hyatt
Mantiripia: Alma Hylton
Mambobo./ Father: Tony Ableton
Palace Singer: J oyce Lalor
Pork-knockers:
Nugget Joe: Tony Henry
Quartzstone: Cardiff Williams
Diamond Charlie: Oswald Linton
Baby Boss: Ross Russell
In supporting roles: Maud Fuller, Joyce Gordon, G. McGowan,
Shirley Davis, Carol Edwards, Cynthia Lumley, Albert Vaughn, Wilford
Hemming, Robert Richards, Ashton Andrews, Albert Clarke, Leslie
Harris, Percy Gordon
Dancers: Barbara Grant, Monica McGowan, Gertrude Sherwood,
Norma Thompson, Babsy Silvera, Maureen Casserly, Audley Butler,
Micky Gallimore, Ken Mock-Yen, Cardiff Williams