Interview: TaleGate Theatre Productions, ‘Goose’

17 Jun

Ahead of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024 we’re chatting with a range of creatives who will be heading to the city over August to find out more about their shows. Today we’re chatting with TaleGate Theatre Productions about their children’s production, Goose.

Can you tell us a bit about you and your career so far

TaleGate Theatre Productions have been dazzling family audiences up and down the UK for over a decade. Artistic Director, James Worthington, founded the company in 2009 upon graduating from the University of Leeds with a BA in Theatre and Performance. Alongside Managing Director Philip Ward, TaleGate Theatre Productions take care of all their own marketing, script writing, costumes, props and scenery and are renowned for their top quality aesthetics and friendly, approachable service. One of the reasons James formed the company was to create acting work for actors based in the North of England, including himself. As his alter ego, self-titled minor celebrity of Yorkshire, Dame James, he has appeared as the Dame in every TaleGate pantomime from Dame Trott to Widow Twankey!

TaleGate Theatre have produced work in numerous theatres up and down the UK including long-standing Christmas pantomime contracts with Aberdeen Arts Centre, Cleethorpes and Beverley Parkway, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall and MMC Venues. They are also about to embark on their third Christmas season in the West End with their musical adaptation of Nicholas Allan’s much loved book ‘Father Christmas Needs A Wee’ and they work regularly with schools, museums and pop up venues.

Alongside their Christmas provision, TaleGate Theatre Productions have written and produced an array of family musicals including ‘The Giant’s Loo Roll’, ‘The Queen’s Knickers’ and they’re very excited that their most recent show, ‘Goose’, is heading up to Edinburgh Fringe Festival this August. Upcoming shows also include their much loved Summer ‘Panto In The Park’ performances, visiting the sumptuous surroundings of venues such as Kirkstall Abbey, Clumber Park and Kings’ Park in James’ hometown of Retford!

The third instalment of their hilarious halloween parody ‘Harry Panto’ is flying into venues this October and then before they know it it’ll be Christmas all over again with titles including Dick Whittington, Beauty & The Beast, The Snow Queen, Robin Hood and the Wizard of Oz delighting families across the UK!

What is your show about?

Sophie meets Goose whilst on a trip to the park, and the pair soon become the best of friends. This new musical for the under fives is the perfect theatre trip as they jump through muddy puddles, go on a wild goose chase and honk as loud as they can with Sophie and Goose. This forty five minute interactive production brings Laura Wall’s laugh-out-loud illustrations and loveable character to life. ‘Goose’ is an instant favourite with young and old. Honk!

**What was the inspiration for Goose and what's the development process been to get to this stage?**

Goose is based on the much loved picture books by Teignmouth based illustrator Laura Wall. She adds - “I never could have dreamed how something I created all those years ago could be so accurately and beautifully depicted. TaleGate have really captured the essence of my characters - they're exactly how I always imagined. The inspirational songs really evoke the special friendship between Sophie and Goose, and has really brought the magic and fun of my stories to life.”

In early 2023, we were approached by Award Publications to turn Goose into a theatrical production. The characters were already in development for a TV animated series and nature trail attraction in Devon. Writer and director, James Worthington chose to work on three of the ten books in the Goose series - Goose, Goose on the Farm and 1,2,3. James felt these books were the perfect introduction to Goose and the adventures with Sophie. The story of friendship and saying goodbye is a concept key to the emotional growth of young minds. A musical was the perfect form to explore these themes. Working with Liz Carney-Marsh on music and lyrics, we have developed a musical language that flows throughout the production evoking the emotions that both our protagonists go through. The musical numbers also provide the fun and interactive elements to keep the children up and dancing and the adults toes-tapping.

Scale of production was also an important factor when developing this musical. This is best personified in Goose himself. Danny Mills, TaleGate’s in-house prop master created the Goose we see on stage. We were fortunate that a plush toy of Goose existed. It proved a great starting point to imagine the 2-D picture book image as a 3-D character in the real world. Danny painstakingly scaled the plush up, piece by piece, to create a correct to scale Goose puppet next to our live actor Sophie. Goose is able to show a range of movements and emotions whilst limited to the language ‘honk’.

Our collaborative rehearsal style could not have been possible without Hayley Everitt (Sophie) and Tommy Murray (Goose). Both performers have a background in clowning. This gave the perfect playground to have fun and be children whilst having the sincerity to be with our young audience on their level.

Goose has been touring since February 2024 and has received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from families across the UK.

**What made you want to take Goose to the Fringe?**

TaleGate Theatre hasn’t presented work at the Fringe for seven years and this year called to us to return. There is something very special about the buzz of Edinburgh during August and we have missed it.

We are keen for Goose to be seen by venues we might not already have a relationship with and where better to be seen than the Festival Fringe. It is touring right into 2025.

**Apart from seeing Goose, what's your top tip for anybody heading for Edinburgh this summer?**

Take in the atmosphere, there is adventure around every corner. For theatre makers, be inspired and see as much as you can. For those presenting work, don’t forget to eat (Tempting Tattie on Jeffery Street * chef kiss * ) and be kind to yourself. To take a break from the action take a walk up Calton Hill to the National Monument or if you are feeling fit - Arthur’s Seat. For families, stroll down the royal mile and watch the street performers.

**Why should people book Goose?**

This delightful piece of early years theatre is the perfect introduction for your under 5’s to experience the magic of performance. Children (and their grown ups) will be able to play, jump, sing and interact with this show at their own level. Everything in this musical is designed for the under fives. Durable, playable and FUN!