Mama Goose pantomime at Stratford East – review

Stratford East’s annual pantomime bursts onto the stage with Mama Goose – a fabulously fun reimagining of the classic Mother Goose tale. Written and directed by Vikki Stone and Tonderai Munyevu, this unique take sparkles with magic, bubbles and a whole lot of east London flair.

When Mama Goose (Duane Gooden) finds herself at risk of paying a hefty fine, she wishes for some help. Enter the Wholesome Thoughtful Fairy (Ellie Seaton), who gifts her a magical, golden-egg-laying goose. But Mama Goose is tempted by the villainous Bougie Fierce Fairy (Mya Fox-Scott), who swoops in with the promise of fame and fortune in exchange for the magical goose. Will the glitzy lifestyle sway Mama, or will she stay true to herself?

The production features the classic elements of a great panto: audience participation, slapstick humour, amusing characters and original music by Robert Hyman and Stone. Mama Goose represents east London’s multicultural community, with specific local references and characters from all backgrounds. Having an African Dame enhances this, making this year’s panto more meaningful and distinct.

Gooden is sensational in the titular role. He leads the cast with plenty of charisma and effortless humour. He delivers bad jokes, cleverly ad-libs with the audience, and sashays across the stage in flamboyant outfits that genuinely feel worthy of being on RuPaul’s Drag Race. His captivating stage presence and unlimited energy are key ingredients for a brilliant panto dame.

Seaton’s Wholesome Thoughtful Fairy sparkles on stage in a shimmery pom-pom outfit and high ponytail. Her pitch-perfect voice and poised demeanour make her look and sound like a popstar. Fox-Scott is a fantastic villain, audaciously and animatedly portraying the Bougie Fierce Fairy. The pink and green lighting, whenever the two fairies interact, seems like an obvious and timely reference to Wicked.

Che Walker plays Gary the Goose as a cheeky EastEnder, sporting a flat cap and gold bling. Jack Goose (Marcellus Whyte) brings enthusiasm and great physical comedy, especially opposite his love interest and AI robot, Jill (Charlie Cameron). The pair engage in cute, poppy duets that feel quite Disney-coded. Completing the cast are Jerome Lincoln and Grace Venus, who skilfully multi-role their way through several eccentric parts, from Katy Perry to Elon Musk. Lincoln and Venus’ characterisation is hilarious and outlandish. There’s even more comedy as the cast perform in gigantic goose costumes, stomping, honking and falling around the stage.

With characters dressed in bold prints and bright colours, paired with a playful, cartoon-like set (designed by Stewart J Charlesworth), the show feels as vibrant as it looks. Mama Goose is a very self-aware panto (even by panto standards!), boasting fourth-wall breaks, sharp satire and a script that mocks current events as recent as this week’s tax budget. The catchy original songs are an eclectic mix of pop, rap, and ska.

“Shopping in Westfield” is impressive, as it lists every shop in the establishment, even if the pace and diction make it hard to catch certain lyrics. I also wonder if some numbers mocking billionaires or the mentions of factory farming would go over the younger audience’s heads. But the upbeat choreography by Kloé Dean keeps them entertained nevertheless. A few transitions in act one feel slow and clunky, but this is smoothed out during the second act, where everything ramps up. We have more audience interactions, sweets, sing-alongs and even a dance-off.

Mama Goose is a gloriously fun and inclusive panto. It’s a joyful celebration of family, community and a genuine reminder that it’s okay to embrace our differences. With fairy magic, chaotic geese, and comedy gold moments, audiences of all ages are sure to have a wonderful time!