Mother Goose

Certainly, a good matinee turnout for this panto title, the cast being spurred on with the reactions of the large group of Rainbows and Brownies. They were certainly in very good voice, who undoubtedly fell in love, as did I, with Priscilla the large quacking Goose sent to save the day, with Holly Saunders under this wonderful ‘ah’ factor costume, laying some amazing golden eggs Sitting just behind these little ones reacting was a delight.

The tale opened with the Prologue from Fairyland with Val Yates sparkling with her illuminated wand who took us to Goosingham Village where the villain of the piece Squire and his two bullying Bailiffs are demanding rent from goose farmer Mother Goose who is broke.

Gary certainly was multi-tasking by taking on the not only the role of Director but heading the good choice music, Publicity and Stage Manager with Clem Collins and Maureen Payne crewing, and part of set design and construction team with Margaret Punter, Maureen Payne, Dave Bourne and Mother Goose herself, Brian Drayson. A good village scene and some new drop in back clothes for the Palace and I particularly liked the red and black for the Land of Discontent and the Magic Pool scene which was a hoot. Sound and lighting were good although there were moments of delay on entries and the start of some numbers. A great highlight moment was the Priscilla’s high wire flight home to the strains of the Dam Busters March.

Margaret Punter in her white down gown as The Queen of Gooseland entered with Andrew Stevens regally attired in pale shades, their faces whitened and what wonderful orange webbed feet! Returning as Dame was Brian Drayson in his element – with a twinkle, beautifully dressed with fine finishing touches – the crazy golden egg bras, the white gloves, excellent wig, his youthful outfit, and blond hair with Dame Edna specs after bathing in the pool. Some great comedy lines too with lots of play on ‘egg’words and I particularly enjoyed his rendition of ‘When You’re Good to Mama’ and ‘Never say Boo to a Goose.’ John Search elegantly costumed, convinced us he was being a money grabbing Squire. But he mellowed by the finale. His two barmy Bailiff’s Imogen Vernon-Gill as Bogtrotter and Lewis Ikin as Bumpkin made a fine pair of bunglers dressed in their black hoodies. A good comedy pairing with their numbers well executed and strong. Further comedy and audience cheer leader was Jac Young in her short dungarees and cap as Mother G’s son Silly Billy and of course we all shouted out on entries when we remembered! The Squire’s nephew Colin who disapproved of his uncle’s behaviour was played by Lyn Ford always looking immaculate and paired with Damien Ansermoz playing her second panto role, Jill, daughter of Mother Goose and as in all good pantos with a happy wedding ending. Ruling the Land of Discontent was the evil Demon menacingly all in black carrying a devil’s trident was effectively scary created by Imogen Beale.

Margaret Punter as well as portraying The Queen of Gooseland was also responsible for wardrobe, which was extremely good. So, a successful conclusion with the return of Priscilla, the Squire softened and appeared to be shining a light for Mother Goose, Colin and Jill were happy in love. The family were no longer poor and the Demon was certainly put in her place, with the audience enjoying their afternoon’s entertainment.

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