Mother Goose

MOTHER GOOSE - a traditional family Pantomime, staged by St. Michael’s Amateur Dramatics Society at St Michael’s Hall, Shaw Street, Wigan on Thursday 15th January, 2026

This family pantomime version of Mother Goose was penned by the ever so talented local writer, a fixture for many years at St Michael’s and an actual member of the cast, Ian D Field.  The origins of Mother Goose are numerous; but there is little or no doubt that Mother Goose first came to the fore after a very successful pantomime written by Thomas John Dibdin and performed in Covent Garden, London back in 1806... it’s title ‘Harlequin and Mother Goose’ or the ‘The Goose that Laid the Golden Egg’ ... where ever it originated ... this is a pantomime is now a classic, performed every year!

The Production Team ... tasked with bringing this version to stage was left in the capable hands of long-standing member here at St Michael’s the ever so versatile June Dowd (Director), who also took on the role of ‘The Dowager Duchess of Gooseland’.  Hollie Jones (Choreographer) who had choreographed the dances for the ‘panto dancers’.  SMAD’s were welcoming four new members to their family... all of whom took on named roles.  A relatively small cast for a panto, but there was little or no doubt from the smiles on the faces of every cast member that this was a cast who were just loving being on stage.  June had obviously got them well up for this pantomime, and as soon as those curtains parted... they just gave of their best... what more can you ask!   

The Cast.... we had a cast of 23 that included thirteen named characters. As stated above, SMADS had four new faces on stage, which bodes well for future productions... they were Dave Buck who played ‘Sir Jasper Moneybags’ (The Squire),
Shaun Graham who played ‘Smudge’ (the Squires Bailiff), Jean Naylor who played ‘Fairy Goosedown’ (The Good Fairy) and Julia Walsh played ‘Gertrude Gutterslop’ (The Evil Spirit)... well done folks.  Other named principal characters included... Julie Bradshaw who played ‘Pricilla’ (the Goose); Freya Pennington who played ‘Jill Goose’ (The Dames Daughter); Debbie Jones who played Silly Billy Goose (Dame’s other daughter); Harvey Westhead who played ‘Colin’ (The Squires Son); Ian D Field (our Writer) who played ‘Mother Goose’ (The Dame); Stuart Worthington who played the ‘First Minister of Gooseland’ (& Everything else). Lacey Graham and Katie Jones who played ‘Goslings No 5 and No 2’ respectively.
June Dowd (Director) who also played ‘The Dowager Duchess of Gooseland’.  Junior Ensemble ... included Freya Barlow, Rafael Brito-Livesley, Joel Dowd, Charlotte Gomersall, Oscar Graham, Amelie Higham, Izzy Hornby, Harry Taylor-Varty and Tilly Varty.  
We had one member of the Adult Ensemble who hadn’t got a named part – Alison Hanson.  As most will know this is where I ‘stick the old neck out’ and start selecting, ‘showstoppers’ and favourites’ ... but I’m of the opinion, that to start saying someone was better
than someone else, when you can see that everyone had worked their ‘socks off’ and ‘given of their best’ would be wrong! But, I really do think I need to make mention of the ever so experienced Debbie Jones, who I think was a very inspirational leader, not only to
the ‘newbie’s’ but to everyone on stage! The evening, I attended, the heating in the hall had failed, it was a particularly cold evening, so with no heating on in the building, performing as well as watching, I would suggest, wasn’t that easy... but I just felt Debbie’s enthusiasm, whenever of wherever she was on stage just lifted everyone.  Her energy, her presence on stage and I would suggest probably backstage as well... was infectious and kept everyone going.  Not only doing all that, she also created this great comedic character, who made me laugh whenever of wherever she was on stage ... well done Debbie, be very proud!

Staging/Tech...  the staging was simple, using flats, cloths etc... I’m always in awe, when I come to St Michael’s Hall... how, with such a small stage floor space and with very little wing space how they actually stage productions that flow with what appears to be effortless ease.  In charge of everything ‘stage and back stage wise’ was Julie Clarke (Stage Manager) who was assisted with ‘Set Design/Set Painting/Construction’ ... Dave Buck, Ian Field, June Dowd assisted by John Gostelow, Jean Naylor, Harvey Westhead and by the cast members and other members of the Society. Lighting and Sound was under the watchful eye of Trevor Heyes. Lighting is basic here at St Michael’s but worked well... the Sound did have a few issues throughout the performance and I wasn’t too sure about the ‘tracks’ used for the songs/vocals. 

Wardrobe... a fabulous set of costumes were used for the entire production, nothing looked amiss.  They were of the era, suited the scenes... hired from Charades Theatrical Costumes, St Helens... with some additional costumes provided by SMADS themselves... the costumes enhanced the show ever so much!

Constructive Advice... ‘Spoken Word/Diction’ – I think I mentioned this in my last show report, it’s not criticism, purely advice that should never be forgotten!  Your audience needs to hear and understand every word spoken or sung, even those sat on Row Z.  Your diction was generally good and from some individuals impressive... but, even if you’ve got the odd line, here and there...  it’s vital that your audience hears/understands everything you say! Remember... project to that back wall! Plus, if you’re like me... I’m always overjoyed when I know my lines – but knowing them without adding some ‘light and shade’ never works... emotion/articulation/accentuation is vital if you’re going to bring life to your character and to the production!!

Thank you so much for inviting my wife and I to your pantomime, hope you’ve got the heating issues sorted... look forward to seeing some of you at the Awards Dinner in March!
 

Stay Safe, Keep well
“Stronger Together”

Jim Briscoe
NODA NW
District 6 Rep
 

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