Mother Goose

Company of Four decided to try something different for this year’s Panto by moving it to the Easter holidays at Seckford Theatre.  The Company has been entertaining audiences for over 50 years and the two directors have plenty of  background  with the Company as Katy is the daughter, and Kayleigh the granddaughter of one of its founding members, Don Spall. It was a special homage to Don to carry on his legacy. Based on the traditional story, it came with all the familiar characters and included the slap-stick scenes that children still love today. It was a good basis for packing the show with an incredible amount of big song and dance numbers. The main cast consisted of only 12 characters but had three ensemble, dance groups totalling another 35 cast members.  The large number of choreographers were required to ensure that they were all totally familiar with their numbers, each being designed to cater for the range of abilities right down to the very youngest. Having said that the standard of singing and dancing was very high, which bodes well for the future of the Company.

Paul Leech played Mother Goose in his old familiar way, perfectly gauging his audience, he soon had them interacting with him, never ignoring any comments from small children, but engaging with them beautifully. Lisa Dersley took on the role of Jack with Darren Scriven portraying his brother, Silly Simon and Charlotte Lamb playing  Simon’s girlfriend, Polly Pocket.  Together these three maintained the momentum of the story and were strong and confident in delivering their musical numbers.

Priscilla the Goose, whose  costume was  spectacular, standing  impressively over seven feet tall was skillfully brought to life by Ethan Cory, adding charm to the character to delight both children and adults alike. There has to be a good fairy and Chloe Atkinson gave her character,  Fairy Fixalot,  plenty of energy and enthusiasm. Catherine Wooltorton played opposite her as the evil Queen of Hearts and soon had all her audience booing as soon as she entered the stage. It was said she had locked up her daughter Jill in the dungeons but Jill found a way to escape and make friends with the characters of Fabletown.  Unfortunately the original Jill had to pull out of the show and co-director and writer, Kayleigh stepped into the role with just three and a half weeks to rehearse. She was utterly delightful and perfect for the role, a beautiful portrayal, confidently performed.

There were three other ‘henchmen’ type characters, (the baddies),  played by Allan Rogers, Troy Morden and Declan Rackham-Cobb. These amusing comic characters bonded well together. We also met the Big Bad Wolf, Neville Woolnough, who was actually  not so big and not so bad.  Somehow he was really quite a friendly character with a very impressive costume!

There were many unforgettable scenes including an Art Deco scene set in the 1920’s with a fabulous set, the dancers all in iconic costumes with dances of the era and some characters miming the actions. Another with all the chorus in an Irish themed dance. Their dancing was all perfectly coordinated and they looked so smart in their dark green dresses and black tights or tops and trousers for the boys.  I must also mention an incredible, magical scene, as the lights slowly went down the main dancers came on wearing enormous, illuminated wings attached to their outstretched arms as they spun around the stage, dancing in perfect unison. It was stunning!!  The quality of the dancing was excellent and all looked so good in their numerous, well fitting and colourful costumes  which were all from Company of Four’s own extensive wardrobe.

There were many well chosen and confidently performed songs with encouragement from MD, Wade along with his four piece band of musicians which added to our enjoyment.  There was also an offstage group of singers to add quality to the onstage chorus.  The sound and lighting enhanced the production well.  They had also constructed an excellent illuminated proscenium arch which was very effective. The scenes were changed quickly and seamlessly with many of the props being brought on by the cast to keep the flow of the action throughout.

Katy and Kayleigh wanted to continue  their family legacy and they certainly did that to a high standard which I’m sure that Don would have been very proud of.  Well done to each and every one of you, both onstage, offstage and those behind the scenes. Thank you for a very enjoyable show and thanks also to all the friendly faces FOH who looked after us so well.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.