Mother Goose - December 2008

Written and Produced by Sue Gallagher M.B.E.
Assistant Directors & Choreography by Vicki Gallagher & Gareth Pearson

An original script by this talented group’s founder, Sue Gallagher, brought together a talented and well rehearsed cast, who were obviously enjoying themselves, in a production that did them credit.

This was a traditional pantomime, complete with custard pies, boos and hisses, audience participation and thigh slapping, and with over 30 named characters in the programme there really was something for everyone included. Even some judicious up-dating – the villain was a vampire with a family right out of the Adams Family, and the traditional ‘village children’ were a superbly dressed collection of nursery rhyme characters.

Overall the costumes were quite superb and the finale was beautifully set and looked wonderful. Very well done to whoever was in charge of the costumes. The set was simple but effective.

I must extend warmest congratulations for the sound – well done! The balance was just right and the radio mic’s worked well. We heard all the dialogue and were not blasted away by the over amplification of one or two principals.

I (and some of the children in the audience) did find the first act a little too long. Perhaps some of the verses of some of the songs could have been cut? Whilst commenting on the music, I thought that there seemed to be some quite long gaps waiting for the music to begin.

That said, this was a traditional pantomime at its best, with many good performances, and the enthusiastic audience joined in at every opportunity. Well done to all concerned for a most entertaining evening out.