Mother Goose

Austerity has no place in pantoland, thank goodness, and even if it does go against the grain such extravagance seems justified for such great fun family entertainment. And it feels appropriate to push the boat out a little bit, as Mother Goose is a story about conspicuous consumption: the tale of a family who have a sudden turn of fortune and behave like feckless lottery winners irrespective of the Good Fairy's sound financial advice.

In traditional panto style this production provided a mirror version of real life: men dress up as women, good always triumphs over evil and the spending review and recession become meaningless as golden eggs are in plentiful supply.

I am always pleased to attend Preston Musical Comedy’s pantomime as they play to live music – always a bonus – and not a radio mike in sight – and in the main never even missed Thank you so much!

The scenery was good and just a small mention to the many people both backstage and front of house necessary to produce a show of this calibre – especially one with children – the matrons and chaperones, the teccies on the sound and light and of course the Stage Manager and crew for quick, efficient and quiet changes – all did a tremendous job and without such support there would be no show!

Costumes likewise were impressive and matched with plenty of happy smiling faces.  Overall the cast were very good – with some good facial expressions – goodies were good and baddies were bad and the audience helped them along with lots of boos and hisses – but I feel a special mention must go to Pricilla the Goose – it can’t be easy to develop an empathetic character without the use of voice, facial expressions and even free movement but she certainly did develop a wonderful warm and charismatic character – well done!

The pace was generally very good and the audience were carried along with lots of shouting as ever, the Second Act includes a song for the audience to sing with children on stage, birthday announcements and a real party atmosphere. People were leaving the theatre with smiles – no mean feat of a cold, dark, wet December evening – very many thanks to everyone connected with this very slick and professional production, and for the warm welcome and generous hospitality – very many thanks.

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