Mother Goose is a cracking good panto from Buxton Drama League

What do you want or expect from your town’s amateur pantomime production? The chance to shout out and sing; some dreadful puns; an outrageously overdressed dame; some familiar gags presented anew.
Anthony Davies and Elyse Marling in Buxton Drama League's production of Mother Goose.Anthony Davies and Elyse Marling in Buxton Drama League's production of Mother Goose.
Anthony Davies and Elyse Marling in Buxton Drama League's production of Mother Goose.

Buxton Drama League has been doing this for years now and there is no chance that it will let loyal or new audiences down. The usual elements are all present in a story about loyalty, happiness and finding contentment.

Holly Howe (Fairy Goosedown) is a charming and confident narrator and guide. Peter Stubbington (Mephisto) is the villain - the devil’s horns making that much clear - and we love to boo him (and he loves to be booed). His youthful, slightly dim but cheery assistants Ellie Craufurd-Stuart (Nifty) and Eleanor Maddison (Shifty) remind us that it is possible to see the light and change sides.

Anthony Davies (Dame Gertie Goose) is a gloriously costumed and bewigged, sparkling star. Her family is completed by Elyse Marling (Silly Billy), who has endless useless ways of raising money, and Jack (Maria Carnegie), a thigh-slapping lead boy who tries to show sense to mother and brother, if only they would see it.

Jack is in love with Jill (Jayne Marling) but both are nervous about declaring their feelings. Jill is also the village vet - a Drama League in-joke that tickled plenty in the full-house - and attends to Lucy the Goose (Ashley Bainbridge) who has the most fabulous legs and webbed feet, and is able to lay huge golden eggs.

The strong and purposeful chorus give punch to songs played by a supportive house band. Nancy Brookes’ choreography brings extra energy onto the stage. The sets are bright and bold (thanks to Sarah Fanthorpe-Smith and Alan Smith) and the sound and light team does its job smoothly and unfussily.

The matinee performance was packed with plenty of young people in the audience. Clearly they loved it and joined in with enthusiasm.

Mother Goose will be performed again on Friday, February 7 at 7.30pm and Saturday, February 8 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm at the Burbage Institute. Tickets from Burbage News, Clowes the Chemist or Scrivener’s Bookshop.