Mother Goose

A drab cold North Derbyshire day outside, but the warmth and community spirit inside the Assembly Rooms shone through to make this a most enjoyable panto.  With an enthusiastic cast of over fifty, every member played their part and full use was made of the limited stage, spilling out into the aisles.

Lyndsey Ashley narrated her way with a delightful portrayal as Fairy Fortune, matched by a sinister Ray Hall as Demon Discontent, who got more than his fair share of boos.  Derrick Hulett  as Mother Goose,  was an exuberant Dame, and her son Billy Gosling was very well played by James Sheppard.  The standout performance for me came from Janet Koszegi as Priscilla the Goose, who had the audience lapping up her antics , and what a wonderful costume.  Able support in other roles came from Chris Nussey as The Squire, and Lianne Brunt as Jill,  Dale Shaw as Colin, Paul Holland as Bill Bumpkin,and Wendy Blunt as Ben Bogtrotter.  Istvan Koszegi as King Proper Gander and Sue Hilton as Queen Goosegog, completed a most able principal line.  The whole of the large cast, a large majority being children,  enthusiastically belted out the many thigh slapping numbers with great aplomb.

All were supported by a very good band, and together with good costumes and bright set, made for a rewarding performance to this sell out audience.

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