Mama Goose, Stratford East Theatre Review
Written by Sarah for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Mama Goose is a reimagining of a Pantomime classic for an East London audience, where the title role is an African matriarch and the goose is a cockney geezer. Written especially for Stratford East with original music and lyrics, Mama Goose celebrates the rich cultural melting pot of the community in a classic caper full of heart, high camp, High kicks and High jinx.
Mama Goose has a huge tax bill, but when she discovers that Gary the goose can lay golden eggs, she decides to go on a spending spree at Westfield instead of settling her debt. She becomes obsessed with fame, fortune, and Instagram followers. Meanwhile, dark forces are at work, and the evil BFF (Bougie Fierce Fairy) hatches a plan to steal Gary. Caught in the crossfire is Mama Goose’s son Jack, who falls in love with an AI woman named Jill that has been coungured by the BFF as part of her evil plan. A tale as old as time! Mama faces tough choices in a tough economy and ultimately learns that true wealth lies in her heart and home.
The writing and directing by the dynamic duo Vikki Stone and Tonderai Munyev is lovingly faithful to the genre with quick-fire one-liners, double entendres, nods to pop culture and all the traditional classic pantomime troupes, including audience participation. There is enough farting, falling over, parody and politics to enthral kids and adults alike. The original music by Stratford East Stalwart Robert Hyman brings an extra special dimension to the show as the cast rejoice in the upbeat revelry. The choreography is fun and sets the tone as it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The costumes bring enough glitz, glam and glitter to rival Ru Paul set against funky fluoro backdrops, this is one colourful carnival.
Duane Gooden as Mama Goose, Che Walker as Gary Goose, are colourful, cheeky, playful and relaxed enough to riff with the crowd. The good and bad fairies (Ellie Seaton and Mya Fox-Scott) bring the West End vocals with ‘Wicked’ vibes and suitable amounts of booing and cheering to indulge in. Marcellus Whyte as Jack Goose is a lovely, level-headed mama's boy until he meets AI Jill, played spectacularly by Charlie Cameron. She is everything you’d hope for and more in a robotic Barbie- like embodiment of ‘Alexa’ or ‘Siri’. The cast is small and perfectly formed, where all the ensemble members shine and have a natural rapport with the audience.
Mama Goose is the perfect antidote to the divisive winter of discontent, bringing warmth, silliness and a sense of celebration and togetherness. Stratford East holds the heart of the community, and this seasonal offering welcomes everyone up for a cracking time.
Plays at Stratford East until 3 January 2026
★ ★ ★ ★
