MOTHER GOOSE

This was my third visit to Tynemouth Priory Theatre Group in their 2019-2020 season to see their Pantomime MOTHER GOOSE; the story of the goose who lays the golden eggs.

This group of talented, enthusiastic and dedicated actors and crew succeeded to enthral its audience with every traditional panto ‘ingredient’, which made for an excellent evening’s entertainment.

The show was more than ably directed by Beccy Gilmore who states in her programme notes that this story was especially written for them by John Dixon; a professional Panto Dame. It was a joy to watch and even more notable for its breathtaking cloths, and costumes, exceptionally lit by the technical team. Dave Cooper and his team were excellent in providing fluidity between scenes.

Susie Jones; better known to me as a very well respected percussionist was the MD, ably assisted in the pit by Katie Rushworth and Brittany Farrow; both junior members of Susie’s Standing Upright Project. They provided both cast and audience with superb music; assured and confidently played. I particularly enjoyed the use of the recorded enhancements. Well done!.

Choreography and dancing was in the capable hands of Viv Greener and Stages School of Dance. We were treated to some beautiful ballet and very lively movement in the modern sections, with a great tap routine to round things off.

The beautiful village of Tinymouth was the setting for the story, and Erin Hattrick as the Harbour Fairy got us off to a great start with the junior chorus. The love interest of Jack and Jill, sympathetically played, and beautifully sung by Helen Bowman and Leah Marshall, were complimented by the wicked Squire – Chris Young, Culler and Coats the comedy duo - Thomas Gilmore and Alex Ryan. The rest of the Goose family – Silly Billy nicely played by Alex Hepple and Gertie (Mother) Goose superbly played by Stu Bowman; one of the stars of the show for me with his loud, rock-chick portrayal. The other was Dave Moy as the sinister and scary Demon of Delaval. His rendition of ‘Evil’ was more than worth the ticket price. I knew every word !. The cameo roles of Priscilla Goose (Lauren McMaster), Queen Goosie Gander (Anne Hogg) and Major Domo (Stuart Davidson) were all ably played and contributed well to the piece.

We were lucky enough to be at the signed performance, which was excellently done and not intrusive in any way. It was a joy to see so many people in the audience benefitting from this. Congratulations !.

Thanks and congratulations to the whole Team – far too many to mention, for a wonderful night’s entertainment, and for the invite. I look forward to returning here in March for ‘And A Nightingale Sang’.

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