Mother Goose

Panto season is still going strong in Horbury, as Horbury Pageant Players (HPP) presented an egg-celent production of Mother Goose. Written by Alan P Frayn, and set in the village of Goosingham, this production had everything you needed from a community panto.

Firstly, let’s talk costumes. The costumes for this production were brilliant. Made in house, they were bold, bright and just right for each character. Well done wardrobe team. The props had been well thought out and complemented the action and the well selected projection scenery.

Jessica Allatt, shone as our comic, Billy Gosling. A difficult role to be played by a female performer, but Jessica had the audience eating out the palm of her hand and we couldn’t wait to join Billy’s gang. Sue Pickering, Demon Discontent, was very menacing, and the audience just loved to boo her. In contrast, Charlotte Mountain, was the epitome of good and light as Fairy Friendship. I do wish the script allowed more scope for Charlotte to have sang more, as she has a beautiful voice that was a delight to the ears. Harvey Nicholson and Emily Ritchie were very entertaining as Bumpkin and Bogtrotter and the pair soon became an audience favourite. Their antics of trying to steel Priscilla from under Mother Goose’s nose was hysterical.

Mother Goose herself, was played by Daniel Allatt. Having played an ugly sister in last year’s Cinderella, I believe this was Daniel’s first time as a solo dame. Daniel performed well and looked every inch the panto dame we expect, and I’m sure with more dames under his belt, his confidence will soar. HPP should be congratulated in the opportunity’s they give to their younger members. In this production, three younger members of the company were given the chance to shine. Albi Rodriguez as Colin and  Penny Parkin as Jill, performed well. Albi’s acting was just what I expect to see from a Principal Boy, whilst Penny’s vocals were on top form. The last of the younger performers in a leading role was Chloe Pickering as Priscilla the Goose. Probably the most famous skin part in any panto, Chloe was captivating inside a very impressive costume. From the way the head shook, to the walk, Chloe brought this famous goose to life. Jo Sykes and Barry Ottewell, were very regal in their roles as Priscilla’s parents Queen Goose-Gogg and King Proper-Gander respectively. Jo in particular impressed, having had an accident on dress rehearsal which resulted in two broken knees, still managed to perform and without the use of any aid. The show must go on after all.

However, for me, the night belonged to Emma Proctor, as the Squire. Emma displayed what a triple threat performer she is. She can sing, dance and act, but most importantly, she understands what Panto is all about and that came flooding over the floodlights in abundance.. An egg-ceptional individual performance.

With an enthusiastic ensemble, great song choices and effective choreography ( I particularly enjoyed the solo dance performers at the Magic Pool) this was a great panto and congratulations must be given to all involved especially Zoe Parkin (Director) and Emily Ritchie (Choreographer). We had a wonderful time. Oh yes we did!

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