Mother Goose, Mercury Theatre

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Upon entering the auditorium, the vibrant set immediately evoked the lively atmosphere of a traditional circus, with its bright primary colours and dynamic lighting.

This year marks a decade of partnership between Dale Superville and Antony Stewart-Hicks, this year playing Billy the Goose and Gertie Goose respectively and their chemistry remains a defining strength of the production. As a pantomime, Mother Goose is an unconventional choice—less familiar to many audiences and supported by a comparatively thin storyline—so its success was far from guaranteed. However, the cast’s talent elevated the material, and the show truly sprang to life the moment Dale waddled onto the stage.

Superville’s distinctive blend of charm and mischievous energy makes him ideally suited to his roles, and the sequence featuring him laying progressively larger golden eggs was a standout comedic highlight. He is perfectly complemented by the ever-charismatic Antony Stewart-Hicks, whose beautifully crafted Dame—honed over years and recognised with awards—delivers sharp, quick-witted exchanges with effortless ease. His rapport with the audience remains one of the production’s greatest assets.

Daisy Greenwood as Gracie Goose and Kemi Clarke as Bailey formed a well-matched pair, while Sasha Latoya as Fairy Fortuna and Jaimie Pruden as Baroness Bellinora Badapple brought a delightful visual contrast reminiscent of Glinda and Elphaba, enhanced by exceptional pink and green costumes. In fact, the costume design throughout was notable for its creativity, attention to detail, and just the right touch of sparkle.

The junior ensemble, led by Nathan Rigg and Dee Dee Rivers contributed energetic chorus numbers and demonstrated impressive dance ability.

The only drawback of the evening was the sound balance; the band frequently overpowered the vocals, making it difficult to hear even the full company numbers.

An evening at the Mercury pantomime has become an essential part of the festive season, offering joy to children and parents alike. The theatre’s tradition of delivering high-quality, family-friendly entertainment continues year after year, and this production was no exception.