Bold and colourful Vikki Stone and Tonderai Munyevu’s take on the story of Mother Goose gets the balance of entertaining children and adults just right.
Jam packed with jokes and references that will get audiences of all ages giggling, Mama Goose is a vibrant and ultimately heartfelt story about discovering what really matters.
This contemporary take on ‘Mother Goose’, sees Mama Goose in trouble with the tax man who takes away her geese as part of a ‘honking tax’ until Wholesome Thoughtful Fairy offers her a golden goose (by the name of Gary) to help her financially and pay her bills. Except that Mama Goose finds a different use for the golden eggs that he lays to help her buy fame and beauty – until she discovers that there is a price to be paid with it.
Co-written and directed by Vikki Stone and Tonderai Munyevu, the contemporary take on society’s obsession with fame, fortune and beauty is nicely worked into the script to make for gentle cautionary tale that is still filled with plenty of laughter for adults and kids alike.
However, it does feel as though it takes a little time to settle down into the rhythm with some of the early jokes feeling slightly flat (the constant references to money troubles and taxes while understandable felt to be too numerous to ensure the entertainment value is there early on). This being said, the second act in particular has some brilliant references – including making Elon Musk a panto villain as our heroes try and rescue Gary the Goose from Bougie Fierce Fairy’s clutches (the references to Katy Perry and her space adventure are also nicely incorporated to much amusement). There is a real vibrancy and playfulness in the second act that can be slightly lacking in the first (which does build to a brilliant climax into the interval it has to be said).
The writing though does have a wonderful heartfelt nature to it and the show does leave you feeling uplifted in terms of highlighting the important things in life.
What also does make this pantomime stand out is the original music and lyrics by Robert Hyman, that ensure heartfelt sweetness in the moments between Jack Goose and his girlfriend AI Jill (who is created by Bougie Fierce Fairy to find the location of Gary the Goose), as well as hilarious moments (including the listing of the shops in the Westfield centre). The songs are constantly refreshing to listen to and ensure that all of the characters have their moment to shine.
The level of detail that has clearly gone into the visuals of this production is really impressive. This credit goes to Stewart J. Charlesworth’s wonderfully colourful bold and innovative set and costume designs – the set is filled with egg shapes that catch the eye, while the costumes use an incredibly versatile range of textures and colours that perfectly capture the spirit of the show.
It is also clear to see that the cast are having a real ball (or egg) in being part of this show. In particular, Che Walker as Gary the Goose really leans into the role of portraying the character, offering plenty of laughs and sincerity. Equally enjoyable is Charlie Cameron as AI Jill – her mannerisms as the AI generated girlfriend of Jack Goose is impressive, with her physicaility of the character never letting up for a second.
Elsewhere, Duana Gooden as Mama Goose really grows into the role as the show goes along, capturing the character’s single- mindedness perfectly and with plenty of hilarity. Marcellus Whyte as Jack Goose is wonderfully focused as the chaos around the character unfolds, while his vocals have real depth to them.
Overall, Mama Goose is a fun-filled adventure that grows in confidence as it goes along ensuring that everyone young and old leaves with a smile on their face!
By Emma Clarendon
Mama Goose continues to play at Stratford East until the 3rd January 2026.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️