Jemima’’s Ghosts

David Moodie was born and raised and educated in Jamaica, where he raised money to build the Little Glyndebourne Theatre in the countryside in Maryland, Jamaica, where it still stands to this day. After leaving the island in 1968, he attended drama school, full time for three years in England. His first job in professional theatre was at the Midlands Arts Puppet Theatre Company as actor-puppeteer, and writer for his Director, John Blundell, the creator of Parker for TV’s Thunderbirds, and many marionettes for Gerry and Sylvia Andersen. David was the model for John’s Nutcracker Prince puppet which David voiced and manipulated in the production ＂Fairy Tales of Hoffmann,＂ whilst writing ＂The Enchanted Well,＂ John Blundell’s next production. Also in the company of seven was David Claridge, TV’s future Roland Rat and Mooncat. After experience in repertory at Worthing and Plymouth, David formed his own David’s Puppets and The Fairytale Theatre Company, and toured the UK for 21 years, performing at such theatres as the Bristol Old Vic, and the Tricycle in London, Stratford Circus, Yvonne Arnaud in Guildford, Ustinov in Bath, to name but a few. David voiced and controlled the marionettes made by his partner, Paul Prestidge, and wrote all the touring fairytale adaptations. Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Nutcracker and Mouse King, Sleeping Beauty, The Princess and the Pea, The Frog Prince, giving over three thousand performances. David also lectured Women’s Institutes, Luncheon and Business clubs on Marionettes, and was a speaker for the prestigious Shaw’s Corner Literary Society. in London. There were also private children’s party performances for birthdays, from council house to castle! He is 66 this year and lives quietly at Gull Cottage, focusing on his writing. He is also an avid and eclectic reader.