By Chris Richards.
Theatre Royal Winchester have done it again! They cannot fail, they have the best traditional family pantomimes I’ve ever seen. Mother Goose is no exception. Before I say anymore, just go and book your tickets now, to make sure you get a seat! I’ll wait.
Now we are ready, I’ll go on. This year marks a passing of the torch. James Barry has written his final Panto for Play to the Crowd; the charity which funds the Theatre Royal Winchester. Robin Belfield co-wrote and for the first time directed. The Mother Goose story was chosen as James Barry has never done it before, while also providing a fantastic role for the fabulous and hilarious panto dame Julian Eardley. The perfect headline performance for an actor who is undeniably born to perform.
I took one of my kids along. At ten years old, he is one of the core demographic. He laughed, shouted, booed and took great pleasure in throwing (prop) eggs at the Demon Vice. This was, by far, his favourite moment. As a mother it was truly wonderful to see his participation and cheeky delight. There were plenty of jokes that just flew over little heads and had the adults (me) guffawing. Like Mother Goose’s pampered gander gosling, called Ryan. Like all great comedy, it is extremely difficult to recall specifically all that made me laugh to relay it to you. You’ll just have to go and see it.
Every performer on stage was a joy to watch. Clearly, supported by a champion team back stage. The music was performed flawlessly by Tom Attwood and John Eschbaecher, with solo saxophone by Daniella Agredo-Piper, playing Jill Squeezum.
The name Pricilla, the goose who lays the golden eggs, should have been a clue to whom The King of Gooseland (Andrew Wheaton) would turn out to be based on. The writers arrived at Gooseland via Graceland. An excellent dance number and song along with many, many song title puns. THANK YOU VERY MUCH…
Jack Goose (Liam Watson) and Jill’s relationship is a delicate and chast performance and made a light but gorgeous sub plot.
I love a good villain and Demon Vice (Brontë Alice-Tadman) was exquisite. Cruel, beautiful and so fun to boo. Played opposite Fairy Virtue by Libby Gore (gotta love an Essex fairy). Each had spectacular glittery, sparkling costumes and drive the story unfolding on stage forward, as if there is no acting involved.
There were tender moments as well, our hilarious and exuberant Mother Goose (Eardley) has a moment of heartbreak that truly touched me. For a moment amongst the giggling, glitz and glitter, a brief sadness and sympathy washed over me. The underlying, hope filled message for all to take away is Friendship and Kindness are what make your life rich. A sentiment everyone, no matter their age, can suffer to be reminded occasionally.
Mother Goose will be at Theatre Royal Winchester until Sunday 5 January 2025. For more information, or to book tickets, visit: theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
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