Play to the Crowd – the charity that runs Theatre Royal Winchester – is looking forward to the opening night of this year’s traditional family pantomime, Mother Goose, which opens in one week on Saturday 30 November 2024, and runs until Sunday 5 January 2025.
The pantomime’s cast and ensemble are now in rehearsals, learning their lines and musical accompaniments, songs and dance routines; the theatre’s technical team have been busy constructing the pantomime set, and finishing touches are being made to the costumes. The theatre’s front of house team has decorated a number of Christmas trees to bring festive warmth and cheer to the foyer space and they have put together a range of souvenirs that audience members will want to take home to remember their visit, and delicious snacks and drinks to enjoy during the show.
Last week Julian Eardley and Liam Watson – who will play Mother Goose and her son Jack – helped warm up the crowd at Winchester’s Christmas Lights Switch On; while Julian is excited to be reunited with former cast members Libby Gore and Brontë Alice-Tadman, who will play Fairy Virtue and Demon Vice in Mother Goose. Libby returns for her fifth pantomime at the theatre, debuting as Fairy Bow Bells in Dick Whittington in 2019 and last appearing as Rusty the Tin Man in 2022’s Wizard of Oz; while Brontë played Cinderella in 2017.
This year’s traditional pantomime tells the story of how Mother Goose’s fortunes change when she meets the magical Priscilla – the goose that lays golden eggs. But when Priscilla is stolen, Mother Goose and her son Jack must embark on an adventure – or wild goose chase – to rescue her, with some help from their friends. This is the first time Mother Goose has been performed at Theatre Royal Winchester.
Theatre Royal Winchester’s annual pantomime is suitable for families and is filled with corny jokes, original songs, live music and audience participation. It is produced in house by Play to the Crowd and has been written by James Barry and Robin Belfield, with music by Simon Slater and directed by Robin Belfield.
Tickets for all performances are on sale now. There will be a number of accessible (relaxed, audio-described and BSL-interpreted) performances; plus, a touch tour and the ability to livestream at home – so that everyone can enjoy the show in an environment right for them.
Mother Goose will be at Theatre Royal Winchester from Saturday 30 November 2024 to Sunday 05 January 2025. For more information, or to book tickets, visit: theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
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