Mother Goose flies into Playhouse

If there’s one thing we learned at Sleaford Playhouse’s Mother Goose, it’s that nothing bonds a friendship quite like the shared terror of a sudden on-stage explosion.

The show hadn’t even started when - bang! - the opening salvo made sure everyone was wide awake and ready for mischief. Big opening bang. Risky that my friend Margot chose red wine to enjoy with her white jumper. Ten out of ten.

From there, the whole first half sashayed along with confidence. The writing was sharp and cheeky, sprinkling in enough local humour to make the audience feel clever; we heard Leasingham and Ruskington being name-dropped and felt disproportionately proud. It had all the hallmarks of a traditional panto - good triumphs over evil, the boy gets the girl - but with extra sparkle and sass.

Mother Goose herself (Kei Bailey, also the writer) commanded the stage like someone who’d consumed precisely the right ratio of sugar, caffeine, and theatrical chaos. Her ad libs were hilarious, her silent comedy superb (especially during Priscilla’s first entrance) and she had the audience wrapped around her feather-boa-ed little finger from the start. Buddy (Kelly Warran) was instantly likeable too — your classic Buttons type, all warmth and chaos and “I’d trust you to feed my cat but not to assemble furniture.” His reactions to the unfolding madness were a joy. Meanwhile, Squire Skinflint turned out to be… unexpectedly sexy.

Lord Malignum (Stuart Wyle), our resident baddie, was absolutely delicious - villainous with just the right hint of “I know I’m fabulous, darling.” His musical number was my favourite by a mile. I’d have happily booed him all night if it didn’t feel so traitorous to someone I liked so much. Fairy Collywobbles (Joanne Moules) sparkled as she foiled his dastardly plans, and Colin (Ben Green) eventually married Rose (Ellie-Mae Robinson), restoring order and

happiness. Priscilla the goose returned to her rightful home, golden eggs and all, and Mother Goose rediscovered that kindness beats vanity every time.

The supporting cast added greatly to the fun — particularly the WI women and the Spice Rack Girls, whose rewrite of And Did Those Feet in Ancient Times amused us all. Lighting, choreography and special effects significantly boosted the impact of “The Voyage of Spaceship Compromise,” complete with impressive planets and a splash-worthy Fountain of Youth. And yes, “Take On Me” made an appearance, and was performed with admirable commitment, especially when the high notes arrived and the cast wisely recruited some unexpected pitch support.

It was obvious the audience, young and old, loved every minute. We booed and hissed at Lord Malignum, cheered whenever Buddy bounded on stage, and shouted “He’s behind you!” with such gusto that the children sitting near us were on their feet with excitement.

Slapstick kept the kids giggling while the grown-ups chuckled at jokes that sailed over little heads.

By the end, we left feeling entertained, slightly hoarse from booing, and very grateful that Margot’s jumper survived the opening bang. A really uplifting night out for all the family. Book our seats for the next panto? Oh yes we will.