Mother Goose, Customs House Review

Reviews

28 Nov

Dame Bella (Ray Spencer) and Priscilla The Goose (Georgina Whale-Spencer). Photo by Benjamin Michael Smith.

Written by Stacy for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

The Custom’s House pantomime is back this year with Mother Goose, bringing its community charm and family-friendly humour that we have come to expect from the little panto with the big heart. Written by Ray Spencer MBE and Graeme Thompson MBE, this production continues its reputation for showcasing regional talent with intimate and locally tailored performances that blend slapstick comedy, engaging musical numbers, and an ability to delight audiences of all ages.

Set in the fictional town of Cooksonville, the narrative reimagines the classic fairy tale with a Sanddancer twist. Dame Bella's Zoo has hit hard times with a change in fortune desperately needed. Enter Priscilla, a different and special scruffy goose, with the ability to lay golden eggs when happy. However, a wicked Demon treats poor Priscilla appallingly for not producing these gold eggs, causing fairy Twyleth to aid an escape to Cooksonville, where she is found by Dennis and Dolly and hidden at Bella's Zoo. Follow Mother Goose, as Bella's life changes when Priscilla lays golden eggs. This newfound wealth presents a moral challenge as Bella faces the temptation of trading her integrity, friends and goose for youth and beauty, manipulated by the evil Demon. Along the way, expect plenty of humour, music, dancing and the famous slop scene the Customs House is renowned for - however decidedly lacking in comedy falls this year (was health and safety in the audience I wonder?).

Directed by Spencer and Natasha Haws, the production has a timely pace, if airing slightly on the longer side, but once transitions, cues and segues tighten up, this will inevitably reduce. The cast includes Spencer, as the formidably engaging Dame Bella Ballcock who never fails to win over an audience with endearing charm and a joke or two delivered with a knowing wink, alongside familiar faces to ensure a strong connection with local audiences. Bella's blundering nephew Dennis (Glen Richardson Townsend) is back to bring the energy and the silliness, which remain at full volume from start to finish. Georgina Whale-Spencer as Priscilla the Goose was cute as a button, creating the 'awww' factor with loveable and endearing charm, and winning the audience over in minutes. Familiar favourite Stephen Lee Hamilton steps back into the role of evil as Demon with effortless ease - commanding the stage with an abundance of charisma, poise and pitch perfect vocals. Emma-Katie Adcock as the roller skating fairy Twyleth was ethereal with beautiful vocals bringing a soft spritely quality to the role and Lucy Davis as Dolly portrayed gumption and heart. The remaining cast consisting of The Mayor (Alfie Joey), Waldorf (Tom Morris) and Beth Ellis and Andrew Borthwick contributed significantly to the vibrancy and charm of the performance, and enhancing the show's humour and heart. Their energy and seamless interactions with both the audience and each other helped create a cohesive and delightful production.

Adding a final sprinkle to this panto recipe is the cherished ensemble of young dancers that burst onto the stage with high energy, bringing with them an abundance of sass and stage presence. Choreographed by Jacqui West, the routines complement the musical moments, adding youthful energy and the cute factor to the performance to create a lively, multi-generational atmosphere, making the production relatable and engaging for audiences of all ages.

Mother Goose really is an egg-citing adventure, cracking with comedy, golden performances, and yolks aplenty that will leave the audience scrambled with laughter and sunny-side up in festive cheer!