Mother Goose Archives - North West End UK

6Apr

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

North West

Mother Goose – The Lowry

Most people are introduced to the world of live theatre through the medium of pantomime, my own 1970's childhood is littered with memories of Anita Harris and Cilla Black slapping their thighs as Dandini, or John Inman in high camp mode as The Dame, household names at the time that are now consigned to occasional appearances on UK Gold. Maybe these somewhat confusing memories slightly put me off, as in the interests of full disclosure I should confess that despite spending large amounts of my time in the theatre, I don't really like pantomime! However, the opportunity to see Sir Ian McKellen live on stage is a chance any self respecting theatre buff is never going to turn down, so I duly took my seat in a packed Lyric Theatre, prepared for a couple of hours of indulgent, farcical nonsen...

2Mar

By Hannah EsnoufNo Comments

North West

Mother Goose – Liverpool Empire

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...

23Feb

By Peter KinnockNo Comments

West Midlands

Mother Goose – Wolverhampton Grand

Sir Ian, Sir Ian, Sir Ian is a game old dame bounding on stage in frock after frock of increasing absurdity with all the energy of a pro half his age in a pot pourri of panto panache. This is glorious, engaging, gormless, beguiling and simply joyous. Sir Ian, Sir Ian, Sir Ian nails the part, the panto and the people with all the precision of a seasoned pantomimer but this, it seems, is one of his first goes (He has Twankied for us before now, apparently). It is a masterclass in drollery, wit, timing, slapstick sprinkled with two poignant moments of deft and touching drama. For a moment he tells of his days as a child in Bolton visiting a theatre for the time and being entranced by, of course, pantomime and as he tells us the tale the frock and wig just seem to vanish and a gentle, nostalgi...

15Feb

By Jo TillotsonNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

Mother Goose – Sheffield Lyceum

“A panto? In February!” was my first reaction to being invited to Mother Goose. But yes, a panto. And what’s more, it was exactly the kind of entertainment we could all use in the current climate. Loosely based on an old children’s story, this production is firmly set in the present day. A high street department store has closed down, and Mother Goose has moved in with her husband and son and the animal menagerie she has taken in. However, they are facing rising energy costs which could leave them homeless… possibly a little on the nose for some, I suspect! What follows is the story of their rescue by Cilla Quack – a goose that lays golden eggs – and their subsequent rise and fall as the good fairy and the evil witch exert their influence on the family. The writing is excellent: Jona...

<strong>Mother Goose – Hackney Empire</strong>

2Dec

By Anisha PucadyilNo Comments

London

Mother Goose – Hackney Empire

Mother Goose feels like that glass of mulled wine on a cold Christmassy evening. It has the rounded flavours, tastiest spices and leaves you smiling. If you want to join festive spirits, this is one celebration you wish to attend. The pantomime pays a fitting tribute to the ongoing 120 years that Hackney Empire came into being. The play brings together the familiar pantomime elements with some spectacular performances. A true testimony to this production's universality is to have younglings, grandparents and a 25-year-old celebrating their birthday in the audience! You will not be disappointed. Mother Goose is bright! Clive Rowe's presence and voice soar to the skies. The set is technicolour rainbow bursts of sunshine, the music lifts spirits while the improvised lyrics make you giggle ...