IF YOU ARE on the hunt for a family friendly pantomime that is full of charm and cheer - then look no further than Mother Goose at Theatr Colwyn.
The show, by the superb Magic Light Productions, not only mixes traditional and modern elements but has an egg-cellent script that will leave you cracking up!
Starring pantomime favourites Stuart Loughland (Mother Goose), Libby Loughland (Fairy Vanity) and Steve Bloor (Billy Goose) as well as Joanna Pierce-Jones (Jill Gander) and Hannah Rose Silfeet (Fairy Virtue), the panto tells the story of Mother Goose and her enchanted goose, Priscilla, who embark on an adventure filled with laughter, love and valuable life lessons.
The story starts with a wager between Fairy Virtue and baddy Fairy Vanity. Priscilla, a goose that lays golden eyes, is sent to Mother Goose - she's able to buy everything she wants and makes donations to charity, but quickly becomes bored and unsatisfied. After being tempted by Fairy Vanity, she trades away the goose, which she has become fond of, in exchange for fame (and followers on TikTok) but ends up miserable.
The fun script mixes silly jokes with a dusting of adult humour that sails harmlessly over the heads of little ones (a cucumber through a hole in a box... we'll say no more!) and when Mother Goose and Billy get together, the pranks really get started - a crisp packet was thrown into the audience, a pack of polos, an egg, toilet paper whizzed over audiences as Billy used a leaf blower and of course - there was a water gun!
Jill, Billy's best friend, was very much part of the action. She sang brilliantly and performed a wonderful number - 'Good Morning Colwyn Bay' - a take on 'Good Morning Baltimore' from the musical Hairspray. Hannah injected 'positive vibes' into her role as Fairy Virtue and added just the right amount of magical stardust to the show.
Plenty of local references were made during the panto. References were also made to the cost of living crisis, the new 20mph rule and Uber Eats. Even Colwyn Bay Notice Board Facebook group got a mention!
Playing Mother Goose is a serious undertaking and Stuart nailed the role to perfection. Libby played the panto villain fabulously with her spine-chilling cackle and cheeky glint in her eye. She burst on stage saying 'I'm back bigger than ever' - making a light nod to her pregnancy.
Steve engages with audiences so well - there's something about the way he delivers every line and joke.
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Fairy Vanity in Theatr Colwyn panto ready to cast her spell!
The puppet scene is an annual treat for many Magic Light Production audiences and this year did not disappoint as it centred around fame and fortune.
I particularly loved seeing Mother Goose's dream to appear on reality shows come true as she was green screened onto I'm A Celebrity, Love Island and Big Brother - this was fantastically done.
With its eye-catching costumes, high-energy songs, and sparkling performances from dancers at The Pearl Shaw School of Performing Arts, this feathered extravaganza is one show not to be missed.
Mother Goose is at Theatr Colwyn until January 6 2024. Book tickets via the Theatr Colwyn website or telephone the box office on 01492 556677.
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