Mother Goose

The pantomime Mother Goose is a classic British show that features the Dame as the central character and not the goose. Mother Goose finds her magical, egg laying goose tempting her with riches and fame that leads the audience into the chaos that we call pantomime. It is one of the oldest and most popular panto stories.

Old it may be but this show performed in Morpeth was fresh, lively and thoroughly entertaining. The script writer Lee Brannigan had used nursery rhyme characters in the script and they were characters we were all familiar with. This was imaginative script writing and one that captivated the audience from the very beginning.

The Dame played by Lee himself was comedic, loud and the central maternal figure. Lee is “at home” on the stage and so is able to draw his audience to him so that they take part in the fun. Lee dressed in drag wore amazing costumes and two of his hats in particular were “huge” with wigs that complemented the image of what a Dame should look like. Dancing in high heels Lee covered a large stage. Congratulations on a magnificent performance.

The trio of Tommy Tucker (Jane Pederson) Little Boy Blue (Sarah Farnsworth Watson) competing for the attention of Little Bo peep (Lydia Watson) was hilarious with a fitting accompaniment of the song Here Right Now.

Lydia Watson has a beautiful voice and your solo Something in Your Eyes was sung with power and feeling. Well Done.

The other soloist who must be commended was Laura Street who played Fairy Tale. Congratulations Laura on your performance throughout the show not only displaying singing talent but also your dancing talent.

The other trio who were well cast included The Grand Old Duke of York (Jake Humphries) Humpty Dumpty (Hilary Groom) and Old McDonald. (Sally Vaughan) The audience began laughing as soon as you all appeared on stage. Your exaggerated antics were hilarious and Jake Huphries has a talent for comedy on stage that convinces me that we will see more of Jake in future productions.

Every pantomime has a baddie and in the role of Demon Beauty was Charlotte Ridley. Charlotte your performance was commanding and your costume and make- up were perfect for your role. You attracted the traditional boos and hisses and you performed Better the Devil you know with confidence and conviction. A strong performance.

This cast of main characters was few in comparison to other pantomimes but the stage was filled with a chorus of youths and adults who were having a fantastic time on stage and your ensemble of The Gold Diggers Song We’re in the Money was a spectacle of song and stage choreography. You were all so well rehearsed and in sync with each other. An exceptional display of talent.

This pantomime had it all from the traditional ghost and ghost busters theme music, the audience getting a soaking and the Oh yes, he did choruses. Nothing was left out. At the end of the show the audience were on their feet clapping and dancing that gave testimony to a brilliant pantomime.

A final word of thanks must go to Gill Ayre who was The Goose. Your “goose walk” and antics on stage were so funny and your golden egg laying had us all "bearing down". You must have been ready to combust in that costume! What a commitment you showed to amateur dramatics.

I am always impressed by the technical support you receive from many young people associated with the school where the performance is held. They do a brilliant job. The back stage crew are a critical part of the success. Thank you for all your efforts and the time you give to amateur dramatics. The costumes and make up too were splendid.

Thank you for inviting me to your pantomime. I had a very entertaining afternoon and you should all feel very proud of your individual and team contributions to an amazing show.

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