Theatre

Mother Goose at Exeter Northcott (review)

21st December 2009

In an attempt to dominate Devonshire, Evil Spirit Vanity - personified by Michael D’Cruze and gorgeously arrayed in ostrich plumes, periwig and frock-coat, with mirror in hand - dramatically fights an age-old battle with Fairy Goodness (Yasmin Wilde), pitting greed and envy against goodness and honesty.

Honesty is the cornerstone of this festive offering of homely, fast-moving family fun as director Rebecca Manson Jones brings audiences an ensemble production that incorporates everything that’s good about pantomime.

Imbued with tradition from first to last, from thigh-slapping principal boy to messy slapstick castle renovation, there’s music, dance and plenty of action.

Indomitable Steve Bennett’s Mother Goose, matriarch of Much Goosing on the Exe, is a capable, and well-loved dame with excellent audience rapport.

A larger-than-life, warm-hearted figure she undergoes a bold and topical makeover in the Magic Pool.

Emerging, clad spectacularly in glittery pink silk-draped basque and ready to party with the best, Vanity believes the wager is won.

There’s lots of fun with scary spiders, a goose land ballet with comic pas-de-deux, and some lively dance from the Young Chorus of Jackeroos/Jilleroos.

Loveable Squire Squidgely (Andrew MacBean) has a soft spot for the dame, and there’s a happy ending for young Jack (Tracey Penn) and Jill (Rosanna Miles), while Billy (Hamilton Lee) soon gets the gang on side.

Priscilla the Goose (Holly Hughes) is personable and immensely lovable, if somewhat travel-worn.

The ensemble’s unaccompanied Fly Home Little Goose, led by Tracey Penn, is pure magic.

Mother Goose is at Exeter Northcott until January 9.

ANNE BROOM

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