Pantomime Masters graduate lands dream debut role

Jefferson Parlett is playing Simple Simon in Jack and the Beanstalk in December

A man who became one of the first people to complete a Masters degree in pantomime has landed his "dream role".

Jefferson Parlett from Plymouth will star as Simple Simon in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Corn Hall in Diss, Norfolk, in his debut role since finishing his studies.

He said it was a role he had wanted to play since he was six years old and getting to perform in Norfolk, where his dad is from, made it even more special.

Mr Parlett studied his Masters at Staffordshire University after it launched the course dedicated to the art of panto in 2021.

'Beloved theatrical tradition'

He said he had "dreamed" about appearing in Jack and the Beanstalk ever since he started watching pantomimes as a child with his family at Theatre Royal Plymouth.

Mr Parlett added he wanted to inspire young people to get involved in panto.

• Listen to Jefferson Parlett on BBC Radio Devon

"I am exhilarated see what the future of contemporary pantomime is going to look like through a 21st century lens and embark on a successful career in pantomime comedy," he said.

"I hope in turn this will inspire the younger generation of our local community to preserve this beloved theatrical tradition for years to come."

The show is running from 20 to 29 December.