Panto season is now upon us, and whilst there are an array of offerings available to those looking for some festive fun over the Christmas season, Theatr Clwyd remains a staple in many families' festive traditions and it's easy to see why. This year's festive visit to Theatr Clwyd feels that little bit more special as the theatre once again opens its doors of the newly refurbished Moondance Theatre, as part of a redevelopment programme which is currently being undertaken at the venue.
Writer Christian Patterson incorporates all the standard tropes of pantomime that will delight families, however, there is most definitely a nod towards the more 'adult humour' interwoven throughout in this year's offering. This is by no means a criticism, in fact there were several moments that had this reviewer in fits of laughter, and there is still plenty for the younger audience members to enjoy whilst (hopefully) the more adult directed jokes fly straight over their heads. Daniel Lloyd's direction proves the experience and passion that he has for Theatr Clwyd's pantomimes after previously starring in them for many years and most recently directing Sleeping Beauty in the Big Top for last year's pantomime. It's clear to see that the whole cast are having an absolute hoot on stage and credit must be given to Lloyd for creating an environment that allows the cast to embody the silliness of pantomime throughout.
One of the highlights of Theatr Clwyd's annual pantomime is the returning faces that grace the stage year upon year. Previously playing the one of the Good Fairies in last year's pantomime, Georgina White returns this year and proves she's not a one trick pony with a standout performance as Suella De Rhyl. Providing the audience with a camp but stern villain and silky vocals that more than fill out the theatre, White is an incredible performer. Alice McKenna is stunning as this year's fairy Billie Eyelash, bringing the necessary warmth and light-hearted spirit to her role. Celia Cruwys-Finnigan is always a joy to watch on stage, bringing her larger than life energy to her character and delivering knockout vocals that are seriously impressive.
Chioma Uma and Dan Bottomley also return and delight audiences in their hilarious multi-roles - a special shout out to the nod to the recent Barbie movie. Joe Butcher makes a fantastic Freddie the Fox, and it's always great to watch Butcher perform as a musician. New to Theatr Clwyd is Imad Eldeen, who brings a sweet and innocent nature to his role, and Ryan Owen, who plays Glennie Goose with a goofy and loving character that makes the audience root for him - another performer who proves to be an incredible vocalist.
Also new to Theatr Clwyd but a veteran of New Wolsey's pantomimes, Steve Simmonds steals the show with hilarious ad-libbing and over-the-top characterisations. When a butterfly unexpectedly lands on the stage, Simmonds hilariously takes this in his stride and runs with it, changing the lyrics to the song he performs and proving a natural at improvisation and comedy acting. Theatr Clwyd pantomime would absolutely not feel the same without Phylip Harries, who brings so much joy to the show and always creates an incredible rapport with the audience. Together, Simmonds and Harries are unstoppable as love interests and bring some of the funniest moments of the evening.
The performers on stage double up as the musicians and throughout they show impressive musicianship with an incredibly tight-knit performance allround. Audiences will delight in hearing an array of music performed live, and there's most definitely a selection of songs to be enjoyed by the youngest and oldest audience members.
The production elements are always visually stunning, but this year's production definitely feels a lot more like a spectacle. Adrian Gee excels in both set design and costume design - the set design moves the story along seamlessly, whilst the costume design is bright and fun, and a special shoutout must be given to the dame's costumes - which are that extra bit revealing but equally farcical and uproarious. Johanna Town's lighting design is stunning and does wonders to enhance the set design. Ian Barnard's sound design is effective, and it's the most subtle sound effects that garner the biggest laughs from the audience.
Overall, Mother Goose at Theatr Clwyd provides all the elements of a strong pantomime - naff jokes, plenty of nods to the locality, exquisite production elements and a stellar cast. This is an eggcellent pantomime that is guaranteed to crack you up! To conclude this review, one must beg the question - does the butterfly EVER learn to play the saxophone?
Mother Goose runs at Theatr Clwyd until 19th January 2025 - for tickets and more information, you can follow the link here.
★★★★★ (5*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Andrew AB
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