Mother Goose

Sidmouth Amateur Dramatic Society
Mother Goose
Written by Alan P Frayn
By arrangement with Stage Right Creative Ltd
Directed by Liz Hammond
Musical Director: Emily Miller
Choreographer: Emma Wilson
Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth
Monday 29 th December 2025
‘Tricia Barclay
NODA SW Representative District 6

As is usual with this writer there was a strong storyline with all the expected panto
characters on stage and lots of audience participation from the outset.
An experienced performer in the role of Silly Billy opened the show getting the
audience on side immediately, and in a departure from the norm made his entrance
from the house doors.
At the beginning there seemed to be quite a long time when the stage was empty, on
reflection perhaps a gauze with a gobo or front cloth could have been used for the
audience to focus on - just a thought.
On stage the scene was set for the action to come with sections of flats SR and SL
giving glimpses of the village houses and parts of the forest trees and an attractive
little cottage USC.
We were treated to a very sparkly Fairy Friendship who worked her magic and a very
strong “baddie” in the role of Demona Discontent, making a very welcome return to
the Manor Pavilion Stage, and very much in command of her scenes.
Due to the design of the set, there were no DS entrances for these two “immortals”
to use, so rather than appearing instantly DSR and DSL they had to enter and exit
further US which did detract somewhat from the magic.
The money-grabbing Squire was particularly convincing and was excellently
supported by his two Barmy Bailiffs in eye-catching waistcoats.
Mother Goose did very well for his first time in the Dames’s frock. At this
performance he handled the situation brilliantly when two latecomers arrived,
bringing them into his banter with the audience and interacting with them again after
the Interval – great stuff!
Colin and Jill made an attractive couple, the King and Queen most benevolent ably
assisted by their young attendant, with the King also doubling as the Lord
Chamberlain.
Priscilla the Goose was a truly magnificent presence in an enormous but simply
fabulous costume, and tremendous congratulations must go to the very “intrepid”
performer inside!
The orchestra under the baton of an experienced MD gave good support throughout,
playing through the scene changes and responding to the action. It was lovely to see
a former Junior transferring from the stage and into the pit playing the violin – oh yes
it was!
Lighting and sound were effective overall but on occasion at this performance there
were some dark spots, particularly on Demona DSL, most probably this was
addressed later in the run.

The excellent choreography was also in very experienced hands, with fantastic and
spell-binding routines, successfully melding the troupe of 14 talented young dancers
with all the other youngsters in the chorus.
The director did seem to be lacking soloists this time around amongst the cast but
certainly compensated with the terrific company numbers.
There were some marvellous moments in this production but the young people with
their great chorus numbers and delightful expressions did rather steal the show, their
enjoyment simply poured out into the auditorium.
The costumes were spot on for all the characters and the black and white finale
made for a stunning ending.
It was evident that great teamwork had gone into the production which was very
much enjoyed by the capacity audience at this performance and deserved the
thunderous applause received at the end. Well done!

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