Many of us are far more conscious about our use of plastics than ever before and people power has been instrumental in persuading governments to take action to tackle the problem. But now more help is at hand as Panto Power is ready to weigh in with community action. Peter Duncan, the former Blue Peter man and committed climate change activist who is co-producing and playing the Dame in Jack and the Beanstalk at Lighthouse, Poole’s centre for the arts, wants to build a Giant out of unwanted plastic.
“We need to show just how terrible the Giant is and at the end of the show we find out he’s so bad he’s made of plastic,” explains Peter, who has written the script with a strong eco-message. “It spoils nothing to know the Giant gets his comeuppance and having him made of plastic will make the boys and girls hiss and boo even harder.”
He wants plastic of all shapes and sizes that he can use to fashion his ultimate polymer panto pariah, but unwanted lilos, beach balls and brightly coloured plastic would be perfect. Peter will be in Poole to begin rehearsals from next Monday, 28 October, and is inviting people to bag up their unwanted plastic and bring it to Lighthouse. Bags can be left at the Artists’ Entrance reception in Seldown Lane until lunchtime on Friday 2 November.
“It’s not often I think plastic is fantastic, but just for a few days it’s not quite so bad,” laughs Peter, adding that all plastic – including the Giant – will be properly recycled at the end.
Oh yes, it will!
Jack and the Beanstalk opens at Lighthouse on Thursday 12 December and runs until Sunday 5 January.
Tickets and information on 01202 280000
