Devon Pantomime Performer Attributes Stage Role to Stammer Improvement

A pantomime performer from Devon has stated that his stage appearances have assisted him in managing his stammer. Lloyd Mortimore, a 69-year-old Dartmoor farmer and member of the Moorland Merrymakers amateur dramatics group, has been performing on stage during the Christmas season for the past five decades. He noted that his childhood was challenging due to his persistent stammer, finding no alleviation until he began performing. He stated, “From then on, for 50 years I’ve been on stage and I can honestly say I have never stammered on stage.” During an interview with John Acres on BBC Radio Devon’s Breakfast program, Mr. Mortimore shared: “It’s a bit special and a bit personal for me. “I suffered from a stammer greatly as a child and a teenager, and things weren’t easy growing up.”But, when I joined the local amateur dramatics group, at the first show the producer asked me to say one line and it worried me to death.”I did this line but it was totally inaudible because I said it too fast and the audience were in absolute laughter.”But that was like a switch because they weren’t laughing at me, they were laughing with me.” Mr. Mortimore indicated that pantomime has been a “major part” of his life. He noted that while he experiences a stammer off stage, his speech impediment “disappears” the moment he steps into the limelight. He admitted he “can’t explain” why his stammer vanishes on stage, but he characterized the experience as “fantastic.” Mr. Mortimore’s amateur dramatics group concluded their run of Treasure Island at Leusdon Memorial Hall, located near Poundsgate, over the weekend. This performance marked his final appearance on stage. The production featured his daughter and granddaughter, and a ceremony took place where he burned his pantomime dame bra. For updates, follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.