The Adventures of Mother Goose

Kingsley Players production of The Adventures of Mother Goose written by their own Arnold Ashbrook was eagerly anticipated by the assembled audience at the Community Centre Kingsley Cheshire. It is obvious this community theatre is very well supported; the atmosphere was so welcoming.

Pantomimes should be fun and entertaining and the main story should remain at the heart of the show. The panto genre is a special one, with gender role reversal, a storyline of good vs evil, slapstick comedy, colourful, eccentric costumes, audience participation, and of course a happy ending which is compulsory.

The Pantomime Dame is a traditional role in British pantomime, the must haves: look dazzling in a dress, marvellous over the top make-up, fluttery lashes and exaggerated lipstick, elaborate head wear a sense of humour which is cheeky and fuelled with saucy innuendos, enter Mother Goose (William Shardlow) who fits the bill (pardon the pun) of the quintessential Panto Dame. Her egg business is in trouble, and she cannot pay her taxes to the evil Sir Jasper. The lovely Juliet (Teigan Withey) lives with Mother Goose, and helps on the farm. The prodigal son Albert (Paul Horton) returns home informing Mother Goose he has no interest in the farm and has joined with violin playing inventor Angus Macoatup (Murry Milligan) successfully inventing something magical a powder once applied makes things grow (Magic Dust). We are made aware that Juliet’s love interest in indeed Albert, and wishes to be with him, her rendition of ‘Always on my Mind’ was really lovely, what a beautiful voice Teigan has. Now we all know everyone loves the panto villain, enter Sir Jasper Skiddleflint (Neil Silcock) an unscrupulous landowner who has an amazing resemblance to Hogwarts Professor Severus Snape, (plus Moustache) what an entrance. Neil has stage presence in spades, great audience participation, they loved him. The booing and hissing at every entrance. Hilarious. His henchmen, Raspin Scrubbs (Pauline Higgins) and Bernard Briggs (Christine Lee) do his bidding, great comedic duo.

This production has an original score threaded through it composed by Arnold Ashbrook (Composer & Keyboard) Steve Powell (Guitar), James Stratton (Drums). For me live music is essential to panto, great delivery never overpowering the songs, well done. Highlights for me, ‘Magic Dust ’Angus & full company, ‘Don’t Give In’ Alfred & Company and a lovely rendition ‘No one gets the Better of Sir Skiddleflint’ from Sir Jasper, Scrubbs & Briggs, ‘On the way Up’ full company. Praise to the wardrobe, loved Sir Jasper.

Arnald Ashbrook’s wonderfully quirky self-penned story of Mother Goose contains a wide variety of well-loved panto characters. Imaginatively directed by Jo Oulton, ably assisted by Neil Silcock, and  well supported by a cast of enthusiastic Kingsley society members, Angus Macoatup ( Murry Milligan) Little Bo-Peep (Lesley Silcock) James Partington (Man in the Moon), Jack (Evie James), Jill (Bella Jones), Contrary Mary (Rachel Horton), Gertrude (Sally Batty), Simple Simon (Rebecca Lowe) ,The Queen of Fairyland (Sue Elliott) not to forget Mother Goose’s Workers (Jo Oultram, Lizzie White, Harry Flemming, Bethia Horton and Emily Deakin). I also have to mention Mary, strategically placed on the front row, who made a significant contribution to this production. The plot (wonderfully quirky) is Sir Jasper kidnaps Juliet as he wishes to marry her; the Magic Dust enables Gertude who lays golden eggs to grow huge; Sir Jasper tries to kidnap Gertrude but is fooled by the decoy (Jack). The Fairy Queen intervenes Sir Jasper is reprimanded so all is well; and as I said Pantomimes always have a happy ending.

This performance from Kingsley Players is a celebration of community theatre, the cast enthusiasm was there for all to see, all smiles enjoying every minute. The company gave their all to entertain, it was a truly joyous evening.

Thank you for inviting me, it was a lovely evening.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.