Mother Goose – The Customs House, South Shields

Writers: Ray Spencer MBE and Graeme Thompson MBE

Director: Ray Spencer MBE

The Customs House pantomime is an institution in the North East. Widely billed as “The Little Panto With The Big Heart”, it has consistently held its own against the larger scale shows at venues such as the Theatre Royal Newcastle through its strong sense of place and a unique connection with its audience.

Until recently the Customs House supremo, Ray Spencer MBE has been at the helm of the show since 1995 and his assured touch is well in evidence here. Mother Goose may be less often performed than Cinderella or Aladdin, for instance, but audiences need not fear, as all the traditional elements of pantomime are delivered here in spades.

As always, the story is set in the fictionalised land of Cooksonville, a nod to the area’s most famous author. The plot centres on Spencer’s Dame Bella Ballcock trying to save her run-down petting zoo from the vicissitudes of rising costs and the machinations of the local mayor’s sinister henchman, Waldorf.

She is aided by her hapless nephew, Dennis, played by Customs House favourite, Glen Richard Townsend, and the Mayor’s daughter, Dolly, with magical input from roller-skating fairy Twyleth. Dame Bella’s fortunes change with the discovery of a magical goose, Priscilla, who can lay golden eggs. Priscilla is being pursued by a sinister demon calling himself Lord Gander, who originally kidnapped her from Gooseland. It will surprise nobody that all comes out well in the end after the requisite number of plot twists and turns.

Customs House regular musical director, Dave Bintley, has put together a varied and entertaining collection of songs, mixing musical theatre and pop standards to give this talented cast the chance to really show what they can do. Strong vocal performances are definitely the order of the day here.

The costumes are colourful and imaginative, with a real fairytale style, and the scenery by multi-talented local legend, Alfie Joey, who also plays the Mayor of Cooksonville, is cartoonish and charming.

Spencer delivers plenty of topical gags and double-entendres to keep the adults happy, while Townsend plays to the younger elements of the audience, who are also entertained by the customary take-off and slosh scenes. Along with the general slickness of the technical side of the show, there is also digital wizardry in evidence in an impressive fountain of youth transformation sequence by Advanced Media Production PROTO.

Ultimately, the success of the evening depends on the performances and this small but spirited ensemble does not disappoint. Spencer is a first-rate, traditional dame, with an unrivalled rapport with his audience. Townsend brings all the necessary bounce and energy to Dennis and Lucy Davis is wholesome and engaging as Dolly. Alfie Joey brings pep to the usually thankless role of the Mayor and Tom Morris is suitably odious as Waldorf.

Emma-Katie Adcock is a sweet and sassy Twyleth and Georgina Whale-Spencer brings immense charm to Priscilla the goose. Every panto needs a good villain and here the show excels. Steven Lee Hamilton is a swaggering, stylish Demon, relishing his dialogue and making the most of every opportunity to generate choruses of boos. His fabulous vocals are a bonus.

The children of South Tyneside Dance Workshop deliver Jacqui West’s lively choreography with spirit and skill to complete this splendid ensemble. Stunning character make-up, designed by Bethan Amber, and stylish wigs by Kate Collins bring the finishing touches to complete the evening’s polished look.

With heaps of comedy, lots of great songs and the perfect amount of audience participation, this is a top-notch festive show for all the family.

Runs until 5 January 2025