1 December – 7 January
When you leave a theatre at the end of a performance and hear several people openly saying it was the best pantomime they’ve seen at the Everyman for years, you know you’ve been treated to a wonderful show. What’s more, I have to say I agree with them, and judging by the rapturous applause at the end of tonight’s show, I clearly wasn’t the only one.
So what makes a great pantomime? A festive, family-friendly fusion of fun, frivolity and frolics…? An energetic and engaging extravaganza with a mix of music, dance and audience participation…? A sprinkling of crossover humour and innuendo to keep adults in the audience laughing…? The Everyman Theatre’s panto offering this year, “Mother Goose”, successfully and hilariously blends all three of these approaches, and is guaranteed to send the audience home this Christmas-time with a huge festive smile on their face.
Writers and co-directors Sam Holmes and Nick Winston have once again combined their considerable creative talents to bring us a near-perfect show. Tweedy simply excels as the eponymous, erm…heroine…Mother Goose, who with her two sons, Caleb (Dominic Treacy) and Clarkson (Liam Doyle), must thwart the evil Demon Vanity’s attempts to steal Piddly Plop Farm. (Jeremy Clarkson’s copyright lawyers take note.) They are joined in their adventures by Holly Jane Stephens’ Joanne, who has a golden goose all of her own. Jessica Martin exudes the customary villainous enthusiasm as Demon Vanity, whilst Bree Smith adds a pinch of magical stardust as the Good Fairy of Gloucestershire. It is a hugely talented supporting cast, all of whom throw themselves frenetically and joyously into the madcap merriment that unfolds over two hours.
In truth, Tweedy steals the show. Gloucestershire is indeed fortunate to have such an extraordinary and versatile talent at its disposal: his combination of physical theatre, circus skills, comic timing and instinctive rapport with his audience is perfect for, but clearly not limited to, pantomime. He illuminates the stage in every scene, and not just because of Ryan Dawson Laight’s stunning costume and set designs. His presence and tireless energy seems to lift and inspire the other cast members: Treacy is a real star turn as Caleb with some great comic set pieces, whereas Stephens and Doyle add a heartwarming chemistry as the show’s budding romance, but in reality there is no weak link in this particular panto chain.
Credit must also go to a hugely talented dance ensemble who add impressive energy, pace and flair to a range of superbly choreographed dance and musical offerings. Technically, the show is a treat too, and in Frank Matcham’s beautiful and historic theatre, is there a better venue locally in which to enjoy this fabulous treat? The whole show barrels along with plenty of slapstick, silliness and a huge sense of energetic fun, and with the gift of so many raw materials of late, even some political satire for good measure. I challenge anyone not to enjoy “Mother Goose”: it’s well worth a gander.
★★★★★ Tony Clarke 4 December 2023
Photo credit: Antony Thompson – Thousand Word Media
