Mother Goose

In this Pantomime, Mother Goose is the Proprietor of a Stage Academy in Jollywood, but we do see Priscilla the Goose and pay a visit to the Planet of the Geese. There were all the elements of pantomime in this production with ‘good’ Fairy Starlight, ‘evil’ Lord Voldor and his side kick Datum, a comic character in the form of redheaded Irishman Charlie O’Farley, dame Mother Goose, principal boy Jack and his love interest Polly, the zany Academy secretary, corny jokes, topical jokes, audience participation, singing and dancing. Various recognisable items had been included, such as ‘The Voice’, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, ‘Austin Powers’ and as many nuisance phone calls as you can think of to Fairy Starlight’s’ phone.

The opening set was inside the Jollywood Stage Academy with steps at the back leading to a stage area with curtains in front. The Prologue of Good versus Evil then took place with the arrival of Lord Voldor and Datum in a space ship, which was flown in to the accompaniment of suitable music, and the introduction of Fairy Starlight. The action then moved between the Stage Academy, the Corridor of Fame, within the Academy, the Spa Hotel, the Pool of Beauty, Somewhere in Space and the Planet of the Geese; with Fairy Starlight’s permanently fixed telephone being a very important part of the story. All the sets had been well designed and constructed, with well-painted backcloths.  The Steam Bath in the Spa Hotel, which shrank Charlie O’Farley, amused the audience. The set for the opening of Act 2 in the Pool of Beauty had created an excellent underwater scene, complete with mermaid, it was very effective, as was Somewhere in Space. All the scenes were well lit but again the lighting for the Pool of Beauty worked well. The follow spots were used sympathetically and were well operated. Sound effects had been well sourced and executed both recorded and live, with the timing of the microphones spot on. 

All the costumes and make-up had been well designed and helped with character identification, with the ‘uniforms’ for the students, the outrageous ‘dames’ costumes, the underwater costumes, and in particular Datum’s basic costume and all his ‘disguises’. The cast of the pantomime included both senior and Youth section members who all brought individual talents to the stage. Lord Voldor was suitably evil (until the end) and had the audience booing loudly; Fairy Starlight was a very ‘modern’ character who was the envy of the small girls in the audience. Jack and Polly worked well together as the ‘star-crossed lovers’, Charlie O’Farley, the stereotypical red headed Irishman, who generated much laughter and saved the day with a touch of River Dance. Mother Goose was extremely confident in the role of ‘dame’, trying to improve her looks in the Spa Hotel. Duke of Jollywood portrayed the ‘bumbling jolly father’ to perfection. Miss Sparks, the Academy secretary, who gave everyone she touched an electric shock, sustained her zany nature. Everyone loved Priscilla the Goose. Last but not least we had Datum the robot, who with the help from costume and make-up, looked the part and kept up robotic movements throughout.

The Inhabitants of the pool of beauty had some of the corniest lines going but they were well delivered. The chorus are an important part of any pantomime and they strongly supported the action with enthusiasm and vitality. There was an interesting choice of songs, which had been well taught and were well sung. The 5-piece band delivered upbeat music for the singers, which was always delivered at the right speed for the song. Everyone sang well and there were enjoyable solos and duets. The whole pantomime had been well choreographed by Lucy Cragg using the obvious talents of the company. The opening number of Dancing in the Street was well sung and energetic getting the sow off to a good start. Everyone looked confident and as though they were enjoying the routines.

Directors and writers Diane Owen and Ross Brown had produced a modern script with some interesting twists. The alien alert worked very well engaging the audience from the start. I attended on a Sunday matinee with many children in the audience, and although one or two were beginning to become restless due to the length of the pantomime, which was overlong, most enjoyed it. All departments had worked together to produce a most enjoyable pantomime, which was full of energy and enthusiasm and raised everyone’s spirits on damp grey January afternoon.

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