MOTHER GOOSE

WOLDINGHAM PANTOMIME

30th December 2001 - 5th January 2002

"Mother Goose" was another great success for Woldingham Pantomime. Each year the group endeavours to produce something a little different yet within the great family tradition of pantomime. James Peacock must have found something truly amazing in that Genie's lamp from Aladdin, for this year he was persuaded to hang up his harem pants to direct, which he did with great expertise and style (he was heard to say that he did not swear once during rehearsals!). This pantomime is somewhat lacking in story line but the decision to recruit the youngest cast ever was a stroke of genius, (3 5 out of 41 were under 21 years of age and many of them first timers). Fine direction ensured the energetic pace of the production and it was obvious that everyone enjoyed themselves. (The star quality of the ultimate performances being testament to the number of rising (and older!) stars in Woldingham Pantomime.)

The scene was set on Goose Green where many well-loved nursery rhyme characters were introduced.' Mother Goose', Joe McCarthy, (new to Woldingham pantomime (and wearing so many frocks) - beardless for the sake of his art or was it part!) gave an assured performance to rank alongside any of his distinguished predecessors as Dame.' Jabberwock' Tony Dent. (Welcome back to this great talent who has such a wealth of experience - but are those really his trousers?). Jabberwock wanted to evict Mother Goose from her windmill so that his brother, 'Mad Max' Ziggi Szafranski, could use it as a workshop for his crazy inventions (who ever heard of a mobile phone or CD player?). This pair of larger than life characters really got the audience booing and hissing so much so that during the performance I attended one cute little girl left her seat to tell him off! (a budding pantomimer). Tony is the master of the adlib, much to the bemusement of his fellow actors, and did be deliberately forget his lines to check that the prompt (Jennifer Greenwood) was awake? Ziggi gave an inspired performance as the eccentric Mad Max. There were some other great pairings in this pantomime; Jo and Ellie Kirk as the principal boy and girl, in their seventh Woldingham Pantomime, gave very charming and polished performances, singing and tap dancing with admirable talent. The double act of Mark Kozminski and Lincoln Smith as "Catchem" and "Skinnem" was brilliant. This was Mark's first Woldingham pantomime actually on stage and Lincoln's first with words (he was the Mummy last year so couldn't!) These two rogues had some very difficult scenes to present but did so with great character and superb timing. It was good to see Sarah Greenwood in a dress for a change! She gave a very polished performance as Gertrude and was a perfect foil for Idle Jack (Jason Fell again as the audiences favourite). Jason and Sarah's scenes together added that comical element as he pursued his suit. Louise Martin as the fairy (every pantomime needs one) confidently linked the scenes with panache and pertinent comments on what was to come. Daisy Collingridge stole the show as the Goose, waddling and wiggling in another wonderful costume produced by Margaret Boosey.

The sets were again brilliantly designed by Krystyna Kozminski and imaginatively lit by her son Andrew; the windmill scene was particularly clever and it made a change to see pantomime on the moon. (The quality of painting surely equal to that in a professional production.) The use of pyrotechnics to herald the arrival of the fairy with a flash (sorry Louise) gave the audience a cue they couldn't miss. The sign of a well-managed stage crew is change of scenes occurring without trace (just who is this Trace?). Yet again, Simon Aggiss's team achieved this without fault throughout, although his appearance in bandages and crutches at the final curtain led us to believe there had been many mishaps. It was noticed that Sooty and Sweep returned this year for the final performance, adding a special 'Woldingham' dimension.

The costumes are a vital part of any pantomime and Joan Oliver and her team of seamstresses continue to amaze with their imagination and resourcefulness. This year their considerable wardrobe has been further increased, not least with the outrageously glamorous gown sported by the dame in the finale. Julie Moylan's superb make up skills were evident yet again, (someone did say make up made Mark resemble George Michael - hopefully only in looks!)

Musical Director was Richard Hare, the music and singing was up to the usual high standard and timely musical interludes a vital part of the show. Clever choreography by Tracey Wainwright and talented execution by the dancers added that touch of glamour to the whole show. (She also had her stage debut as the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe). The Junior Chorus gave an enthusiastic performance, which every parent must be proud of.

Pantomime in Woldingham is truly a family affair; this year there were some fourteen families having two or more members acting or helping in one way or another, a huge commitment and great fun. Some people have been involved for many years and this year Anne Comerford celebrated 23 years helping with costumes and chaperoning the children. She was presented with gifts from the Committee and cast as she has announced her intention to move from the village - she will be greatly missed.

The AGM of the Pantomime Committee will be held in the Village Hall on 5th March 2002 at 8.00 p.m. Everyone is invited, particularly those who would like to be involved in next year's production. Auditions will be held in June/July - watch this space for confirmation of date or look at the Woldingham Website.

Lyn Dunn