Mother Goose

As the Chairman, Scott Walker mentioned in his programme notes, this particular story doesn't get the pantomime treatment very often.  In my 14 years as Regional Representative for Sheffield and District, during which time I  have seen over 50 apntomimes, I think I have only seen it once.

I am so pleased that you used a Limelight Script, particularly as they are Sheffield based. Well done to Chris Badham on his Director debut. Steve Trotter together with his four musicians accompanied the production just at the right level. Hayley Wilbourne & Katie Mather did really well with the choreography.  It never ceases to amaze me how they get such a large ensemble from the very young (who know all the words and movements) to the not so young to move around the stage with such ease.

As usual, Matthew Walker's (Mother Goose) performance was outstanding and with his fantastic costumes "she was a vision of loveliness"!!! - loved his teapot hat and his rapport with the audience was second to none.  Josh Holloday (Priscilla, the Goose) put his heart and soul into what must be a difficult part to play.  I must congratulate Luke Harriott as Demon Night - he was absolutely amazing - a super speaking voice with great diction and an awsome laugh. His duet with Ria Westhead (Jill) was excellent. Steve Mather & Richard Granger (Biff and Bash) worked very well together. Joe Walker (Silly Billy) and Alex Fergusson (Sally), Andrew Stansall (Jack) and Ria Westhead (Jill), together with Robert Taylor (Squire Blackheart), Amy Roe-Parkin (Fairy Day), Debbie Mather (Madame Fifi), Molly Fazakerley (Mercedes), Phoebe Roe-Parkin (Chardonnay), and of course Duncan Milner (King Gander) and Cathy Mitchell (Queen Goosey-Goosey) completed a formidable cast.

The scenery worked well (made by the Company) and I thought the hot-air balloon scenes were excellent. What with a magic carpet in Wales Panto Group's "Aladdin" and Handsworth's hot-air balloon - what next at the Montgomery Theatre? Costumes were fabulous and the children's costumes looked super -all in all they gave a professional and a spectacular look to the show.

 An excellent panto! Keep up the good work.

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