Mother Goose

If only the welcome and warmth received when visiting Darnall MTG could be bottled the world could be such a happier place. From the first to the last conversation, you can tell what a special time you are going to have. A comparatively small stage area is cleverly used to the full by the enthusiastic company, young and not so young alike with beaming smiles truly enjoying their theatre experiences. The program sums up how special this society is with repeated names both on and off stage all working to one goal of continuing the ethos that totally surrounds their company.

Darnall productions are fairly unique in that most of the cast are youngsters along with the odd adult and an established Dame. Having been privileged to see the company over the last 6 years how wonderful to see the very young children back then now taking principal roles.  The strengths of the production team of Jack, Janet, Sara and Gemma certainly know how to bring the, in house written, script by Olivia alive. I really enjoyed the variations on the well known pantomime simply proving a good script delivered well wonderfully entertains their supportive audience. I totally appreciated how well this script was written, clever inuendo but clean, keeping it local ‘Darnall upon Don ‘and including many other Sheffield references and perfect for the mainly young cast to deliver. The choice of songs provided ample opportunity for principal work and full ensemble alike.

A few familiar faces have clearly moved onto university or other paths but how wonderful to see how those shoes are quickly filled with the next generation of actors. Jack Taylor as both Dame and producer gives the part everything, his controlled performance is professionally delivered in such a way that it isn’t all about ‘The Dame’ but with clever interjections with performers and audience alike allowing for all the other characters to come to the fore. The pantomime has all the usual twists and turns, the baking scene, the sing song an excellent UV scene all about the Dames exploits when visiting London with iconic well known buildings, West End show titles along with Jack taking centre stage in the most perfect UV costume, very clever. Goose Goose , the heroin by Annabelle Taylor and The Dames son, a very competent young actor who not only sang very well but delivered her lines clearly. Some lovely scenes throughout along with the dramatic love struck faints on seeing your love interest Mayfair. Billie Goose , completing the bird family, by Wray Williamson- Batham always supporting Goose, involved in many of the scenes with lovely characterization and delivered clearly. Mayfair by Emma Hazelhurst a beautifully portrayed part, The Princess of the show, poise and stature and inevitably falling for the dashing Goose in true pantomime style. Grimaldi by Charlie Betts, the green suited villain, happy to wind up the audience with his devilment. Your prose was excellent and your performance of ‘One Way or Another ‘very moving. Pixie Queen by Maiya Green a quite excellent performance delivered with ease , often an individual role keeping the story ticking along, your stage presence and youthful ability along with the ability of holding the audience, well done. Mayor by Dylan Bowman you certainly wanted everything at whatever cost, a great part played with strength and lovely level of theatre arrogance. Cilla the Goose by Charlotte Hunt, the provider of wealth in the traditional pantomime way, Golden Eggs. Lovely character part delivered with ease and clarity. Lloyd by Mia Hull and Barclay by Millie Warhurst, great character names, and unlike banks at least you too could be contacted. Well, done two well performed taxman roles. Herald by Imogen Harris and King Goose by Isla Overend-Hogg two smaller well performed character parts. Of course, whilst not naming everyone all the wonderful ensemble performed with beaming smiles fully engrossed and involved with many scenes throughout with great stage movement dancing and singing. It is such a pleasure to see so many young performers from 5 years upwards all starting out on their performance journey. The sound and lighting were well controlled along for pyrotechnics. Confetti cannons added another layer to the evening. I must complement the whole team on quite wonderful costumes all produced in house a further true testament to the strength in depth within the society. A lovely evening of theatre entertainment full of varying scenes delivered well. Music from Abba ,Les Mis and ghostbuster to name but three along with a clever variation of ‘Simply the Best’ provided plenty for the whole group to perform to your sell out audiences.

Thank you for a lovely evening of pantomime

Philip Smith

Noda NE District 6 Regional Rep

 

 

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