Egyptian queen Cleopatra and the formidable King Ferdinand of Spain are the new royalty in Society, St. John. Embodied by Zoe Trotman and Shaquille Layne, the two emerged as the cream of the royal crop at The Lodge School’s pageant last Sunday evening at the St. Gabriel’s auditorium.
Along with the coveted title, the pair copped best casual and formal wear. Layne’s formal wear featured the purple and white regal wear of the 15th Century, accentuated by white pantaloons and stockings. Trotman strutted in a white silk georgette gown, decorated with gold metallic lace. The look was finished by a gold headpiece.
She tied with Mara Weekes who, in keeping with her portrayal of Queen Nefertiti, donned a flowing white and orange chiffon gown, completed with Nefertiti’s signature headdress. The first runner up position went to Cherrie-Ann Wiggins who represented Queen Catherine and Chad Lowe as Prince Charles. Lowe and Weekes were the most photogenic of the 10 contestants.
Wiggins also walked away with best talent in the female category with the witty No Show, which dealt with the controversial cancellation of the Vybz Kartel/Mavado concert earlier this year. Johnathan Jeffrey’s rendition of John Legend’s If You’re Out There gained him best talent in the male category. Weekes was also the second runner up, sharing the title with Shai Edwards who portrayed Shaka Zulu. The pair were Mr. and Ms. Congeniality as well.
Edwards’ performance throughout the evening was commendable, much better than his final placement after the judge’s decision. He stood out in the talent and formal wear sections and was the only contestant to incorporate the royalty he represented in all sections of the show.
Other winners for the evening were Mario Boyce, who represented King Tutankhamun. He received incentive prizes for his punctuality and the most improved male. Most punctual female went to “Princess Diana” Jamilya Jordan, while Chantal Ward as Queen Isabella was the most improved female. (LW)
