REVIEW: Mother Goose at South Shields Customs House

Mother Goose

South Shields Customs House

Until Sunday 5 January 2025

Writers: Ray Spencer, Graeme Thompson

Directors: Ray Spencer, Natasha Haws

The little panto with the big heart is back with a golden egg. This show is a fabulous production that will be as entertaining for kids and the adults alike. Clever writing that really understands how to create a great family show coupled with an entertaining cast couple to make one of the very best shows in the North East. 

Mother Goose is not performed much these days, perhaps because it has not had the Disney animation makeover but it is one of our traditional pantos. I know it is early in the season but I have been lucky to see enough pantos over the years to know that this show will be up there with the best by the time we have completed our tour of the shows. This is a real special gem. 

This production of Mother Goose falls into the category of pantos that aim to tell a story and as a result it draws the kids in. This is apparent when they are asked to be a part of it during the take off scene or are screaming with laughter during the messy scene. 

So what is it about? Priscilla (Georgina Whale-Spencer) is a very special goose with the ability to lay golden eggs for those she loves. Unfortunately a Demon (Steven Lee Hamilton) gets hold of her and treats her badly as she doesn't lay the eggs. She escapes and seeks support from a fairy Twyleth (Emma-Katie Adcock) who sends her to Cooksonville to be protected by Dame Bella Ballcock (Ray Spencer) on her petting zoo.

Alas Bella and her nephew Dennis (Glen Richard Townsend) are struggling financially and the mayor's henchmen Waldorf (Tom Morris) is taking great pleasure is repossessing the zoo. Add in a love interest for Dennis in the shape of the mayor's daughter Dolly (Lucy Davis) and the fact that the demon wants his goose back and we have the set up for just under 2 and a half hours of songs, fun, jokes and mayhem. 

In Dame Bella,  Dennis and the Mayor (Alfie Joey) we have three naturally funny performers who understand panto. If anything, Dennis and the Mayor had less of the spotlight this year, or so it seemed. The one star who was given plenty of chance to shine was Steven Lee Hamilton who strikes a stunning pose as the evil Demon/Lord Gander. Once again he shows off his ability to harvest the booing, and to sing. The lad has a great voice. 

Georgina Whale-Spencer has moved through the ranks from being one of the young dancers to a starring role and she has pulled it off. She confidently engaged the kids as the cute, vulnerable yet clever goose.

Talking of which, the 2 professional swings, Beth Ellis and Andrew Borthwick, and the young dancers did a great job during the big production numbers.

The jokes are a plenty. Ray knows how to deliver those lines but, thanks to the intimate venue, he can use his facial expressions for more impact. A smile or raised eyebrow adding emphasis. 

This is a classic panto that delivers. It is a hidden gem that deserves to be playing to packed houses. It reminded me why I love panto so much and I plan to return once the panto loving offspring is back from university as I know he'll love it too.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photos: Benjamin Michael Smith

Cast:

Dame Bella Ballcock – Ray Spencer MBE

Dennis – Glen Richard Townsend

Priscilla The Goose – Georgina Whale Spencer

The Mayor – Alfie Joey

Dolly – Lucy Davis

Demon – Steven Lee Hamilton

Twyleth – Emma Katie Adcock

Waldorf – Tom Morris

Swings – Beth Ellis & Andrew Borthwick

Tickets:

https://www.customshouse.co.uk/theatre/mother-goose/