A special show.
For obvious celebrity reasons, this panto was a sell-out, and it met all expectations.
This show really does allow you to leave all your troubles at the door because it is laugh-a-minute, and the vivaciousness of the cast and crew fills the room. There was a bright energy from all performers which was felt and proved by a standing ovation.
Some wacky highlights to give you a flavour, were a conservative cake-loving pig, a gin-loving Queen Consort, water guns and a golden egg-laying goose, to name a few.
Aside from the dramatic royalty that stars in the show (tough they do so with professional aplomb), I want to take time to mention other standout elements.
Oscar Conlon-Morrey, playing Jack Goose, brought abounding energy with him when he came onstage. One of the funniest and most energetic performances, which kept the audience howling. The Empire is not a small space to fill, and he did so with seeming ease.
Genevieve Nicole, playing Puss and Camilla, was another huge asset to the cast. Her melodramatic air kept drawing audience attention and her exuberance was infectious.
Amanda Stoodley and her costume team delivered new and modern panto fashion. Each costume (and there are a lot!), looked thought-out and made to a high standard that complimented the characters.
The soloist goose and fairies had big jobs to do, and bigger notes to reach which they did to impressive standards.
Overall, if you need an evening to just have a laugh, this is one for you. It delivers all the cheese of any panto but with enough added euphemism to please all the family. You’re even treated to five minutes of John Bishop and an audience hushing Shakespeare recital from Ian McKellan. What’s not to love?
This show is running at the Liverpool Empire until Saturday 4th March, so don’t miss out.
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/mother-goose/liverpool-empire/
Reviewer: Hannah Esnouf
Reviewed: 28th February 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★