Christian Patterson
Theatr Clwyd production
Theatr Clwyd, Moondance Theatre
November 28, 2024-Jan 19, 2025; 2 hrs 20 mins
Another year, another "rock and roll" panto. Can Theatr Clwyd’s presentation of Mother Goose live up to the reputation the theatre has established for entertaining, innovative comedy theatre?
The answer is a resounding yes. A carefully crafted script from Christian Patterson: a well-designed, asymmetric set with clever lighting and a cast that attacks the evening with gusto, provide a great night of entertainment. It's also pleasing to be back in the refurbished main theatre after a lengthy time away.
"Mother Goose” has been called the "Dame's panto" and certainly makes full use of Phylip Harries as the titular dame - maybe not laying golden eggs but certainly, even playing a model or a ballerina, never less than greatly entertaining. There is plenty of opportunity for others to shine, too: Georgina White is hissingly villainous as Suella De Rhyl and Celia Cruwys-Finnigan, as Mari Goose, has plenty of energy and a striking voice.
This production marries endearing traditional routines and some innovation. There are the inevitable ‘he’s behind you’ and ‘oh no he’s not’ routines, as well as the ubiquitous super-soaker spraying of the audience. But there is also an excerpt from Swan Lake - a duet between the dame and Lord Larry Parry (Steve Simmons), that will live long in the memory. It was also interesting to note that the goose that actually laid the golden egg was male. Clearly, science has a long way to go before it catches the magic of theatre...
One of the eye-catching aspects of Theatr Clwyd’s pantos is the seamless transition from acting to playing contemporary songs. A wide variety of upbeat numbers from the 1950s onwards assails (nicely) the ears in this case, but the stand-out song is a subtle rendition of Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars, which is certainly worthy of the applause it receives.
The storyline of a panto is often mildly irrelevant and with Mother Goose, quite vague. The common theme is that it is a morality tale involving the laying of a golden egg, and the eventual realisation that It is better to seek fulfilment from love, compassion and family than the pursuit of fortune. As well as poking fun at surrounding towns, especially Rhyl, the panto makes a point of emphasising this moral truth.
What the show also makes clear is the obvious role of panto in British theatre. For Theatr Clwyd, like many others, it's a financial life saver. The company is highly active in the community but it has been a quiet couple of months in the main auditorium. The grand reopening after the multi-million-pound refurbishment is due next year, so full pantomime audiences not only bring life back into the building, but essential money too.
Will this production have these desired effects? Given the enthusiastic standing ovation at the end of the performance I saw, you bet...
More info and tickets here
