Contacts
Chair: David Jasper 01208 850650
Treasurer: Bob Fox 01208 850401
Secretary: Elaine Fell 01208 851836
Press and Publicity: Barbara Strachan
Treasure Island
February, 2012
Pirates invade St. Teath in February when the village drama group presents its pantomime., "Treasure Island"
Like the classic book, the story centres around a group of people searching for buried treasure who are faced with a mutiny by Long John and his pirates.
However this production has more in common with the "Carry On, Jack" comedy film than the classic book as the treasure seekers are joined by a 5'10" parrot with attitude and a lovesick heroine, pretending to be a cabin boy so that she can to follow her true love, Jim, the hero immortalised in the famous phrase, "Ar, Jim lad".
Directed by David Jasper, the pantomime will be staged in St. Teath Church Hall on Saturday, February 11, and Friday, 17th February with a gala charity performance on Saturday, February 18th. There will also be a matinee on Sunday, February 12th. For tickets, please ring Anne on 01208 850522.
Barbara Strachan
Tina Sinclair, Elaine Fell
Front row: Jay Banks, Chloe Banks, Len Sinclair, Rebecca Pedlar, Maria Gameson and Jade Morse.
Photo: adrianjasperphotography.co.uk
Murder Mystery
28 May, 2011
It wasn't Colonel Mustard with the rope or Miss Peacock with the lead pipe. It was Mrs. White with ... the fruit pie.
The lethal concoction was the weapon in the tongue-in-cheek murder "Mystery at the Manor", especially written and directed by Wendy Parkyn for the St. Teath Drama Group.
The setting was a manor house where residents and servants were suspected of poisoning the holiday-obsessed Rev. Green.
Drama group chairman, David Jasper, left the director's chair to make a welcome return to the stage as typical (boring) old soldier, Colonel Mustard while David's wife, Lorraine, was so convincing as sweet gentle Blanche White that few people could believe she was the assassin.
Two of last year's pantomime's youngest leads played the contrasting roles of Vanity Peacock and Windy Scarlet to perfection - Becky Pedlar as the self-obsessed Vanity and Chloe Banks as diamond-loving materialistic Windy. Welcome newcomer to the group was Jade Morse, who played the role of waitress in very convincing style.
As the vicar's former love interest, cook Victoria Sponge, Maria Gameson gave her usual efficient performance while Dianne Potter obviously enjoyed her role as intellectual Professor Plum as much as the audience.
Completing the line-up of suspects were gardener, Walter Greengrass, ably played by Philip Gameson and Mrs. White's twin brother, Tarquin Black, a comedy challenge for newcomer Paul Day.
Of course, traditionally the butler did it as everyone knows but not in this play! Another newcomer, Len Sinclair, captured the aloof butler, Ivan Alibi, with William Isaacs deriving enjoyment from the part of "victim" the Rev. Green.
Bumbling Inspector Cluedo (Jeff Sloggett) may have asked all the right questions without coming up with the right answer, with little or no help from assistant WPC Dunnit, played by director Wendy Parkyn.
The guilty party was revealed in a special edition of the Weakest Link with Elaine Fell adding the character of Anne Robinson to her previous pantomime credits.
Adding to the atmosphere was music from musical director Alan Dawe and the Allen Valley Singers.
Barbara Strachan
Download a cast list here (pdf).
St Teath Drama Group Donation to the Precious Lives Appeal
6 April, 2011
The late Jayne Stark, who played an important role in St Teath Drama Group productions, as a director, secretary and onstage, lived life to the full, especially in her support of village activities, while also running two businesses almost at opposite ends of the county. Jayne died tragically just over a year ago and held dear The Precious Lives Appeal for respite care for life-limited children. Because of this, St Teath Drama Group decided to donate the takings from one of their performances of their last December panto, Dick Twittington and his Big Cat Denzil, to the charity.
Before one of the ongoing group rehearsals for their Murder Mystery play in May, a cheque for £650 was donated to a representative of the charity, Mary Murfin. In thanking the group she said the money would go towards the ongoing construction of a children's hospice called Little Harbour at Porthpean near St Austell. Their target was £5 million for the project, of which £4.4 million has already been raised.
Minutes of meeting held on the 26 January 2011 (pdf)
2010 production
Dick Twittington of St Teath and his Big Cat Denzel
Over £500 was to be donated to the Precious Lives Appeal after a pantomime performance by the St. Teath Drama Group dedicated to its late director, Jayne Stark.
Jayne died tragically, early last year, at a time when she was directing rehearsals of "Dick Twittington and his Big Cat Denzel", especially written by the "dame", Bob Fox. The production was postponed until December when the final performance was dedicated to Jayne and the proceeds donated to one of Jayne's favourite charities, Precious Lives.
One of the 13-year-old group's longest serving members, David Jasper, took over as director, relinquishing the comedy duo role he would have played with Jayne. Their places as gormless Bread and Jam were taken by newcomers Wendy Parkyn, and established group member, Dianne Potter. As their mother "Eva Brick", Bob Fox was a dame in the finest panto tradition - particularly as a belly-dancing temptress.
The "tooth fairy", Rebecca Pedlar, was a star in her own right, a dizzy airy-fairy sprite who excelled in her role. In contrast King Rat, alias Elaine Fell, was a true dramatic villain to be booed and jeered, in his battle with hero, Dick Twittington, ably played by group veteran, Maria Gameson whose son, Philip, was a triumph as the Sultan of Morocco who succumbed to the charms of the statuesque Eva. John Potter may not have had to learn lines but he was a scene-stealer as Denzel the Cat.
The main cast were well supported by the other longest serving member of the group, Lorraine Jasper, as the buxom barmaid, ship's captain David Pierce, and Jeff Slogett ,as Dez the Fez and Jack Archer, and his wife, Natasha, as Concertina.
It was unfortunate that flu affected so many of the cast but true to tradition they made sure the show did go on. The sight of David Jasper taking on his wife's role as the barmaid was a sight to remember.
This year the pantomime was enhanced by live music from Alan Daw, and a first class back stage team.
Barbara Strachan
Download the programme here (pdf).
| The Cast - in order of appearance | |||
 Jam Wendy Parkin |
 Mistress Concertina Natasha Sloggett |
 Bread Dianne Potter |
|
 Eva Brick Bob Fox |
 Children Rosie Morey |
 Children Emma Evans |
|
 Childdren/Rat Jay Banks |
 Dick Twittington Maria Gameson |
 Denzel John Potter |
|
 The Tooth Fairy Rebecca Pedlar |
 Barmaid Lorraine Jasper |
 King Rat Elaine Fell |
|
 Rat Max Vince |
 Alderman Fitztightly John Dunstan |  Alice Fitztightly Chloe banks |
|
 Captain David Pierce |
 Dez the Fez/Jack Archer Geoff Sloggett |
 Sultan of Morocco Philip Gameson |
|
Photos: Adrian Jasper
February 2009 Production
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde - Make Mine a Double
Pantomime dames come in all shapes and sizes but few of them seem to be well over six feet tall with a physique to match, unlike Lulu, the washerwoman in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
When Bob Fox joined St. Teath Drama group he was willing to have a go at anything. The group took him at his word and Bob not only adapted the script of the well-known horrror story, but also agreed to take on the role of Lulu. He is a tall well-built man and that alone would have been enough to bring chuckles from the audience but Bob proved to be the epitome of the pantomime dame - a performance worthy of a professional, a mixture of Les Dawson and Norman Evans for those old enough to remember them.
He set the standard for the rest of the cast and not one member failed to rise to the challenge. As chairman, David Jasper, explained to the audiences, the group had only six weeks to rehearse this comic version of Robert Louis Stevenson's story in which Lulu, her son, Jack and Jack's girlfriend have the task of preventing Hyde and the evil matron from taking over Jekyll's hospital before the finale.
In command of the title roles were Elaine Fell as Dr. Jekyll and John Dunstan as Mr. Hyde. Jekyll could have been just a straight man to Hyde's colourful role but Elaine brought out a comic side of this eccentric character with a suggestion of the antics of Groucho Marx, a perfect contrast to his alter ego, Hyde, played with skill and comic timing by John, whose versatility had been demonstrated so well in previous productions.
Returning to St. Teath pantomime after a year's absence Maria Gameson was Lulu's practical joking son, Jack, with enthusiasm and a suitably "laid back" attitude while Tracey Leach was an admirable Molly, the studious young girl who falls for Jack, despite the tricks he plays on her. Both Tracey and Diane Potter were taking on major roles for the first time but Diane played the part of the inept burglar, A Burke, with a flair for comedy that bodes well for the future.
After the thigh-slapping role of the romantic hero last year, Jem Tnorold returned as inept detective Sheerluck Jones, the romantic interest for the colourful Lulu. The scenes between these two were worth the cost of a ticket on their own.
Among several newcomers this year was Natasha Golding as the evil matron, an efficient and impressive performance from the diminutive Natasha who was literally overshadowed when confronted by the very well-endowed Lulu.
Although only 13-years-old, Rebecca Pedlar was excellent as hypochondriac Lanyon (Jekyll's friend in the book) and hopefully she will feature in future productions.Another newcomer, David Pierce threatened to steal scenes as the detective's policeman assistant and it was good to welcome back John Theobald as Lord St. Teath. The drama group was fortunate to have found three children with great acting ability and Chloe Banks, aged ten, Rosie Morey and Jay Banks, both eight years old, were a great asset.
Returning as director for a second time, Jayne Stark and fellow director David Jasper, can be very proud of such an entertaining production. It was obvious that the cast members were enjoying themselves and this enthusiasm was infectious.
For the first time animated scenery, a techonological project, was skilfully handled by Rod Keat and expertly complemented by the lighting and sound controlled by Marc Hunt. Stage manager, Moyna Fox, with the aid of John Potter, Adrian Jasper and David Jasper, ensured the 19 scene changes were carried out efficiently.
Well done, St. Teath. How do you match that next year?
Barbara Strachan
| The Cast | |||
 Murse Barbara Chloe Banks |
 Orderly Jay Banks |
 Mr Hyde John Dunstan |
|
 Dr Jekyll Elaine Fell |
 Lulu Bob Fox |
 Jack Maria Gameson |
|
 Matron Natasha Golding |
 Molly Tracey Leach |
 Nurse Windsor Rosie Morey |
|
 Lanyon Rebecca Pedlar |
 PC Poo David Pierce |
 Burke Diane Potter |
|
 Lord St Teath John Theobald |
 Sheerluck Jones Jem Thorold | All photos: Adrian Jasper | |
Download programme (pdf)
St Teath Drama Group thanks NCDC's Community Chest Fund and St Teath Parish Council for financial support in the purchase of a projector
St Teath Drama Group's presention of Mother Goose
February 2008Photos: Adrian Jasper
The story is based around penniless Mother Goose (obviously) who becomes rich, thanks to Candy the magic goose and her golden eggs.But Mother Goose is bewitched by wicked fairy, Vanity, into giving Candy away in return for youth and beauty. Fortunately her children, silly Billy and Jill plus Jill's fiance, Jack, manage to put everything right with the help of good fairy Virtue, thwarting miserly Squire Sydney Snyde who wants Candy for himself. Having stepped in to take over the title role when another actor had to pull out, the REV JIM BENTON-EVANS even sacrificed his beard to make his debut as St. Teath pantomime dame. His first appearance in traditional dame's costume caused surprise and laughter but his "transformation" as beautiful young Gertrude Goose lefteveryone speechless. Long blonde wig, pencil skirt, high-heeled boots - who would have recognised the North Cornwall cluster vicar!
Last year's "dame" in nurse's uniform, JOHN MUNRO, became the villain this year as the mean money-grabbing squire, sneering and threatening in true pantomime tradition. His fellow "baddie", wicked fairy Vanity, was played to perfection by ROSE SQUIRES in costume and wig of purple and black, defiantly baiting the audience and challenging them to boo louder and longer. In contrast ANN HALE, as good fairy Virtue, was gentle and meek. Somehow Ann managed to combine her first role on stage with her duties as wardrobe mistress, providing outfits from the delicate gauzy fairies' dresses to the macabre black costumes of the witches and skeletons.Two more newcomers, REV JEM THOROLD and LAURA STRACHAN, were the star-crossed lovers, Jack and Jill - a hero much given to heroic stances and ad-libbing and a heroine with a touch of the feisty as well as the romantic, with the unenviable task of appearing to cry her eyes out while everyone else was in fits of laughter at her partner's dramatic poses. As well as the witty one-liners there was plenty of slapstick comedy too from the Will-Hay type of antics in the schoolroom to trifle slapped in the faces of poor long-suffering Billy and the wicked squire.
The long-established comedy duo of DAVID JASPER and JAYNE STARK caused havoc and mayhem as bungling oddjobmen, Scratchit and Bodgit, while JOHN DUNSTAN as silly Billy enlisted the help of the audience to protect his pet snail, with shouts of "Slimey!" every time anyone went anywhere near it. His jokes may have drawn groans but his comic timing and pathos, ensured he was a firm favourite with the audience. Everyone felt sorry for him when the wonderful "bird" who promised to be the love of his life turned out to be an outsize goose. With only a few weeks to familiarise himself with role, JOHN POTTER brought the goose to life - a goose with attitude. Children are a huge asset to any pantomime and the nine in this show, ranging in age from teenager ABI to six-year-old BROCK played a major part in the success of the performance, wherther they were fairies, witches, skeletons or troublesome schoolchildren.
With excellent direction by Elaine, superb costumes, and sound and lights by GEOFF SQUIRES (you are needed back on stage, Geoff!) this was a first rate pantomime by St. Teath Drama Group. The last line of the show promises "We'll see you all next year". Could you do it all again, Elaine?
Schoolboy and schoolgirl: Ollie Leach and Abi Hunn. Chorus: Jean Burden, Lorraine Jasper, Dianne Potter, Chloe Hunn, Rosie Morey, Tabatha Benton-Evans, Phoebe Benton-Evans, Sam Leach, John Leach, Brock Leach. Director: Elaine Fell. Backstage: Adrian Jasper, Rod Keat, Tracy Leach, Dean Leach. Curtains: Malcolm Warman. Publicity: Adrian Jasper. Scenery: Fiona Alexandrou and Laura Strachan
We are indebted to the St Blazey Drama Group for the loan of a Mother Goose costume.
Barbara Strachan
| The Cast |  Mother Goose Jim Benton-Evans |
 Candy John Potter |
 Squire Sydney Snyde John Munro |
 Billy Goose John Dunstan |
 Jill Goose Laura Strachan |
 Jack Jem Thorold |
Bodgit Jayne Stark |
Scratchit David Jasper |
 Virtue Ann Hale |
 Vanity Rose Squires |
 Schoolboy Ollie Leach |
 Schoolgirl Abi Hunn |
Pictures from the performance - click to view full size
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