This really is a hilarious yet heartwarming and magical production that brings back many happy childhood memories of attending pantomimes with my parents as a child.

Mother Goose is a classic rag to riches tale of how a mother who, happens to be best friends with a talking goose, longs to have her own bakery, however with the cost of living crisis and the rising cost of rent, thanks to Squire Purchase, her dreams sadly remain unfulfilled.

Writer Al Lockhart-Morley along with the producers Dave Murphy and Rachel Tackley, the director/additional material Michael Gattrell, and additional material Matt Crosby, have done a brilliant job of bringing this story up to date with many references to recent events alongside some hilarious jokes that both old and young will enjoy, yet still keeping the essence of what make a good traditional family pantomime

Set in Cambridge, which is very cleverly and beautifully portrayed by backdrops painted with some of Cambridge’s iconic locations, the story starts with a wager between Fairy Virtue (Charlotte Wakefield) and Demon Fairy (Pippa Duffy) which will end in one of them losing their magic to the other. Demon Fairy is convinced that she can lure kind hearted Gertie Goose to turn her back on her family and choose a life of riches and beauty instead. Pippa makes for an excellent baddy, with her air of aloofness that is all done with a cheeky glint in her eye.

Matt Crosby as Gertie Goose certainly doesn’t disappoint in this role, his comedic timing is spot on, and his interaction with the audience and his fellow cast members is fantastic. This is especially evident when acting alongside Steven Roberts as Sammy Goose, whose comedic ability whilst still giving his character a vulnerability is excellent. I love in particular the scene where they are baking a cake in Gerties new kitchen, this has the whole audience crying with laughter. My sides are still sore from laughing so much, it’s a simple scene but performed so well by both Matt Crosby and Steven Roberts.

The set changes are sleek and done so that the audience cannot see any of the behind scenes action at all, so does not interrupt the flow of the performance. The stand out for this, is the scene where Gertie transforms. Well done to the back stage crew on making this look so effortless and to the set designer, Ian Westbrook for creating pieces that allow this to happen.

The vocal ability of all the cast is amazing and one of the beautiful things I love about this script is it gives so many of them a chance to have their moment to shine through song. Every one of the named characters had their own song to perform and all of them performed their pieces perfectly.

The choreography by Kevan Allen is superb, especially among the strong 6-piece ensemble. There are moments where the movement is beautifully balletic and graceful, then others where it is more modern and fun. Each piece fits perfectly with the scene being portrayed.  The ensemble do an amazing job of all being so in sync with each other, so as an audience you are not distracted and can truly enjoy the performance.

Costume designer, Sue Simmerling has done a wonderful job of creating wonderful bright costumes that really help portray the characters that are being played. Priscilla the gooses’ costume is so beautiful and so well thought out so that it does what is required practically without losing the magical feel of the character. Gerties costumes are classic dame with all of the vibrancy that this character needs. The team who help Matt change so quickly must be applauded on getting him stage ready with so little time.

One of the wonderful things I love about the Cambridge Arts Theatre is that it is small enough to have a great view no matter where you are sat yet big enough to create a wonderful atmosphere for the audience, which is so very important for a production such as a pantomime.

This pantomime really does have everything that you could ask for. Songs to sing along and clap to, classic slap tick comedy, audience interaction, “they’re behind you!” moments, laugh out loud scenes as well as lovely story line where good eventually wins true. A must have family treat for this festive season.

Mother Goose runs until Sunday 7th Jan 2024

Photos credit: Richard Hubert Smith