Mother Goose should chase away the January blues
THERE’S eggcellent news for families that missed the chance to see a panto before Christmas.
Mother Goose, with songs, dances, and general panto fun, will be performed in the borough at the end of the month.
With winter days feeling long and dreary, the Corpus Christi Parish Pantomime Group is choosing to deliver its annual dose of silliness.
Drawn from the Sturges Road church parish, the social group aims to build community, have fun together, and raise money for a local charity.
Director Martin Robins and the team are busy putting the final touches to Mother Goose, which will be their 19th pantomime.
“With 30 cast members, half of whom are children, it’s very much a family affair, and we all have a great time together,” said Mr Robins.
“We’re having a huge amount of fun in rehearsals, preparing lots of songs and dances, plenty of audience participation, and loads of cheesy jokes.”
This year the group will raise funds for Daisy’s Dream.
The small charity, based in Berkshire, supports children and young people who are facing, or have experienced, the death of someone close.
They offer the time and support needed by families to learn to cope with the changing dynamics of loss.
“With so many of our performers
being young people, we do like to support a children’s charity each year,” said Mr Robins.
Mother Goose, like all the group’s shows, has been written by the team. Its heroine Mother Goose has a heart of gold, but not a penny to her name.
With the rent due, fuel bills rising, and more and more mouths to feed, she could really do with some help.
How will she put aside a nest egg? How will she deal with the evil magician Mephisto?
Wokingham audiences can find out soon.
As well as directing the show, Mr Robins is also playing dame, Mother Goose.
“It’s the fourth time I’ve played a dame, and it’s such a fun role, especially when you go into the audience and interact with people,” he said.
“You can expect all the usual pantomime nonsense, with lots of ‘it’s behind you’, and plenty of ‘ oh yes it is, oh no it isn’t’.
“This is a traditional family show that everyone can enjoy.”
Mother Goose will be performed at Caudwell Hall Theatre, Holme Grange School, Wokingham, on Saturday, January 27, and Sunday, January 28.
Performances are at 3pm and 7pm on Saturday, and at 3pm on Sunday. Tickets cost £6 each.
Snacks, drinks, and a licenced bar will be available.