TRP Stories: Jefferson Parlett

Last year, Jefferson Parlett became one of the first people in the world to complete a Masters Degree in Pantomime and recently starred as Simple Simon in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Corn Hall in Norfolk.

Jefferson admits Theatre Royal Plymouth (TRP) instigated his love of the stage ever since attending as an audience member and taking part in acting workshops as a child. Citing Dick Whittington in 2003 as a pivotal moment in his life, Jefferson said: “I remember watching the pantomime in 2003 which starred Gary Wilmot. It wasn’t my first panto, but it was the most memorable as it was then that I decided I wanted to be on stage for a living. That’s where the dream began.”

Jefferson was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at a young age, and found going to the theatre kept him calm. He went to Stagecoach Performing Arts from the age of six, before starting with TRP’s Young Company. Jefferson said: “Growing up, I had no sense of release or escapism; life was very confusing. By attending theatre groups, I learnt about myself and about human behaviour. I began to understand the world around me.  I knew, even then, that acting was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

Jefferson trained to be an actor in Guildford but continued to attend workshops and physical theatre classes at TRP and says his hometown theatre was the catalyst for the opportunities that have followed.

After working on cruise ships and in hotels, he came across an advert for the first ever Masters Degree in Pantomime. He said: “I just happened to be looking through old issues of The Stage magazine, and saw this advert, and thought it was a sign. I attended an Open Day at Staffordshire University and was offered a place there and then and I’m now one of the only people in the world with this degree.”

Speaking about his passion for panto, Jefferson said: “I genuinely think I’ve been put on this planet to bring joy to people and bring a sense of fun. Seeing Gary Wilmot come out on the TRP stage in 2003, was a magical feeling that I can’t put into words.

“It’s the spontaneity of everything. Panto is a well-rehearsed art where nothing is done by mistake. Audiences love it when things go wrong and panto pushes the boundaries of what can be done on stage.

“Panto provides a real sense of togetherness. There’s something for all ages and it brings families together. In a world so often full of doom and gloom, it’s an annual reminder that – to quote the famous Christmas film – ‘love is all around’.”

Watch Jefferson’s video: