Mother Goose (Salisbury Playhouse)
© Robert Workman
As we get stuck into this year’s usual dollop of panto, there are some that are comfortingly traditional, and yet they excel. Salisbury Playhouse’s offering is just one of these.
''Mother Goose' is a rarely performed pantomime, and I fail to see why. The story about the poor old lady’s discovery of a Goose that lays golden eggs has a perfect moral. Beauty and wealth can’t bring you happiness.
This production is brought to us by the same creative team who were behind the Playhouse’s recent pantomimes. With a long history in panto they know their stuff. The never-ending comedy is clever, the songs are varied and supported by a large band. There is even a nice homage to Laurel and Hardy.
Kieran Buckeridge once again dons the dresses to play Mother Goose. A born natural as the dame, he produces the puns thick and fast. Together with the adorable Priscilla the Goose they make an engaging duo.
Robert Rees and Lucy Faint are delightful as Billy Goose and town girl, Milly Dillydally. Howard Coggins provides some comic turns as Squire Dillydally, whose personality changes at the click of a finger. Meanwhile the rivalry between Fairy Flutter (Johanne Murdock) and Demonica Badegg (Ella Vale) is quite fiery.
The production values are an absolute treat. The sets come to life with colour andwonderful detail. There’s so much for kids to spot (puns and all).
It you had to choose a traditional pantomime this year, Mother Goose must not be missed. Full to the brim with clever puns, various songs, and an engaging story.
This is the definition of effort.
