Audiences are flocking to Joseph Rowntree Theatre this week, as Rowntree Players bring us another brilliantly bonkers pantomime: Mother Goose.
Crystal may be the traditional mark of a 15th anniversary, but everything about this production was golden. Howard Ella and Gemma McDonald have outdone themselves yet again, creating an award-worthy script, brought to glorious life by a gifted team on and offstage.
Mother Goose is at Joseph Rowntree Theatre from Saturday 7 to Saturday 14 December.
And what better way to start a first-rate production than to re-write the classic 2013 Tony Awards opener ‘Bigger!’ – ‘Panto’ was a masterful decision by the team, enabling both the song and the audience’s excitement to build, as McDonald took her rightful place as our loveable lead Jack. She not only introduced us to this year’s incredible cast but also allowed us to quickly establish the high levels of talent on offer across the entire ensemble.
Before too long we found ourselves transported to the dwindling business that is Chuckle Patch Farm, introducing us to Mother Goose and her family, including her many feathered friends. The grass is always greener for our delightful dame, desperate to swap her daily duties for the bright lights of… Doncaster! Michael Cornell certainly offered up star qualities as he sported the wig and tights again this year.
Joining our Gertie, is Jack’s bubbly and bright sister Jill, YorkMix Radio’s very own Laura Castle, whose romantic interest in Farmer Kev (Sara Howlett) takes priority. And what a duo Howlett and Castle make, especially in act two as they bring their Eggs and Kale business to fruition with the rewrite of Monty Python’s ‘Find Your Grail’. Castle’s Cher impression is guaranteed to bring a smile to even the most straight-laced faces.
The music continues to be a highlight in the production with a heavy dose of new and old theatrical tunes; toe-tapping is a guarantee as the ensemble sing and dance their hearts out with excellent leadership from musical director James Robert Ball and choreographer Ami Carter.
‘You Can Drive a Fairy Crazy’, a Company classic, not only showcases the wonderful vocals of our Fairy Frittata (Holly Smith) but also ensemble duo Meg Badrick and Mollie Surgenor – and do not get me started on the pure genius of the ‘Breakfast Tango’, an unforgettable moment this year. Then there’s Jamie McKeller showing us excellent juxtaposition as our oh-so-bad villain with oh-so-good vocals.
In fact, we were very lucky to receive double the McKeller this year, as Laura joined Demon Darkheart as his trusty sidekick Bob Bingalong, ready to ruffle some feathers. And Bingalong not only had us all singalong but also laughalong, as she gave a hysterical performance with her one-liners and wonderfully withered physique. They were almost so brilliant you wanted to root for them in their quest to capture Priscilla the Goose (Abbey Follansbee), who too gave an egg-celent portrayal.
Where I believe this pantomime shines, is in its ability to be quick-paced and playful, not only thanks to Howard’s excellent direction but playful with the format itself. Rowntree Players are not afraid to shake up the traditional ordering, making the chaos even more creative. And they do so with the most elaborate production qualities, outdoing themselves year on year.
Howard’s programme introduction speaks of the passion and dedication poured into making this production possible and this is evident. The costume, set and technical design is simply astounding and makes Joseph Rowntree Theatre feel like it’s offering something so much bigger and brighter than before. Congratulations to the entire cast and company on a joyful production.
If you want to witness a panto sizzling with charm and a shining example of community theatre, then visit the Joseph Rowntree Theatre this week.
Mother Goose is at Joseph Rowntree Theatre until Saturday 14 December. Tickets start from £18 and are available via the theatre website.