Mother Goose

I haven’t seen many full houses recently in any sized venue so it was great to visit Hornsea for their annual summer panto and see an auditorium full of happy people, both young and not so young.  Presented once a week over six weeks the fifth performance was very well appreciated by everyone there who will have included not only local people but also holiday makers in the town.

I like the way that the society integrates it’s younger members into the cast as well, and gives them leading roles, especially in a theatre form that is very challenging to even the most experienced performers.  In this regard Olivia Thompson as leading lady Jill and Heather Embleton, as principal boy Colin Goose, were very good together and Mollie Grace Thompson was a nice Fairy Happiness, all three of them delivering their lines and songs well.  Likewise Jake Baines as Billy Goose was again strong in a style of role that is becoming his own and he shows a lot of potential.

Of course, Ian Thompson as Mother Goose showed his usual style and comic skills, to the delight of the audience, and Josh Muir was properly disliked by the same people although I would have liked the latter to have slowed down his dialogue a little.

There was a simple set, good costumes and enthusiastic performances by everyone to a keyboard and drums accompaniment.  And it was also excellent to see the improvements that HATS has helped to make at the Floral Hall, including the commissioning of a new sound system, now that they are closely involved in its operation.  Well done!

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