Mother Goose at The Customs House in South Shields is a hilarious and heart-warming triumph

Utterly fantastic best sums up this joyous production of Mother Goose. The team at The Customs House have outdone themselves with their annual pantomime production which has a hilarious script, some brilliant songs, stunning costumes and a lovingly created set.

This year we have a unique interpretation of Mother Goose. In a nutshell, the plot goes like this - Dame Bella Ballcock’s Zoo is facing hard times and she is desperate for a change of fortune. Her hapless nephew Dennis stumbles across a bedraggled goose whilst walking across Cleadon Hills.

Priscilla seems to be the answer to all of their problems, however, the evil demon, Gander, is in pursuit and is determined to steal Priscilla away and take her back to Goose Land. Fear not, the magical spirit Twyleth is determined to bring a happy ending.

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The production is more than two hours of wonder and delight with a spectacular performance that holds parents spellbound as well as their children.

Filled with hilarious one liners and clever references, the writing is bang up to date. No one would argue the star of the show is the magnificent Ray Spencer MBE, who plays the glorious Dame Bella Ballcock.

This year is his 30th Customs House panto and it’s been an incredible 50 years since his first panto appearance. And Ray's Dame Bella from the wigs down to the full skirts and occasional sparkling jump suit, is a complete showstopper.

Joining him is the brilliant Glen Richard Townsend who plays Dennis and Priscilla The Goose is the wonderful Georgina Whale Spencer.

The Mayor is former BBC Radio presenter Alfie Joey, who is also the very talented production designer. Dolly is played by Lucy Davis and she is a delight, and the deadly Demon is Steven Lee Hamilton, one of the best baddies I’ve seen.

The rest of the cast includes Emma Katie Adcock as a charming Twyleth, Tom Morris as a mean Waldorf, and playing the Swings are Beth Ellis and Andrew Borthwick.

All dancers are provided by South Tyneside Dance Workshop, who are incredibly talented and thoroughly deserved their loud cheers.

Theatre-goers are in for a real treat, Mother Goose has plenty of ‘oh no he’s not’, ‘he’s behind you’s’ and more than 1,000 gallons of slop used throughout the production.

Mother Goose has been co-written by Graeme Thompson MBE and Ray Spencer and it also has some beautiful songs from the world of muscial theatre and some modern delights too.

Mother Goose is sure to create lots of happy memories for panto fans this Christmas with another accomplished show. With a joyful Christmas singalong at the end, there isn’t a better way to enjoy the festive season.

Get your tickets now for Mother Goose; there are multiple dates and times available until Sunday, January 5, 2025.

More information and tickets are available at The Customs House www.customshouse.co.uk