Mother Goose

This is only the third time in all the years I have represented Wales & Ireland District 1, that I have seen a production of Mother Goose. It was written and directed by Polly Snape and much research had gone into the origin of the story, which is said dates back to an ancient Greek legend. The eye catching set was again managed by an experienced backstage crew. They always produce some wonderful feature, this year it was the opening of Act 2 – The Fabled Fountain of Eternal Youth. This was really spectacular, and my backstage trip after the show proved that much hard work had gone into creating this particular scene – Well done!!

Enfys the Good Fairy – Gwyddfid Spencer and Damon the Demon – Kieran Smith, got the show off to a pacey start with the Prologue, their script being in rhyme. So many Nursery Rhyme Land characters arrived on set, each one beautifully dressed and thoroughly enjoying the experience of performing before a packed house. The adults in the Society were joined by about 20 members of Ruthin Youth Theatre and the combination of adults and children worked well. The arrival of the lovable Auntie Gertie, played by the very popular Gavyn Pendrey Edwards with his ‘Hello Daddies’, brought cheers from the audience. Gavyn is such a natural on stage and he had the audience in the palm of his hand from his first entrance – riding on a unicorn! Dave Snape, as Billy, was excellent support to both adults and youngsters, and I feel that performing in pantomime is really in his blood as well as putting his talents to set design and construction. The array of Nursery Rhyme characters were put to the test by the Bad Wolf Family, led by the Society Chairman, Mike van der Eijk, as Wally Wolf, proving that Society Chairpersons also tread the boards. In fact, great characterisations from all of the Wolf Family – Cat Smith as Wilma Wolf, Ceri Wyn Jones as Wilf Wolf, and Emma Parry as Winnie Wolf, they worked as a family unit and encouraged the chorus to react to their ‘bad ways’. I am sure you will appreciate that I cannot mention every character by name, but all Nursery Rhyme characters fully justified their roles and immersed themselves in their character. Choreography was innovative and all chorus numbers were well-rehearsed.

Ruthin Youth Theatre were enthusiastic. All of them knew their tasks and carried them out confidently as, Spiders, Chickens, Sheep, Flamingos, The Three Little Pigs and not forgetting Lwsi Davies as Mini Gertie. Costumes, make-up and hairstyles were created by a team of volunteers.   

An excellent production and a fitting tribute to Christine Thomas who was responsible for many beautiful costumes in the past and to whom this pantomime was dedicated.

Thank you Ruthin Panto Society.               

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