THE LEGENDARY Rock 'n' Roll panto has returned to the redeveloped main theatre stage at Mold's Theatr Clwyd - and you certainly don't want to miss it!

I was invited to see this year's Christmas pantomime of Mother Goose and, to my surprise, it was being shown in the main auditorium, despite the main building remaining closed until Spring 2025 for the final developments.

Written by acclaimed pantomime writer Christian Patterson, I predicted I was in for an utterly joyous evening - and oh was I right.

Ryan Owen as Glennie GooseRyan Owen as Glennie Goose (Image: Andrew AB)
The show is packed with colourful sets, musical numbers and magical moments that bring pantomime back to its form of old-style theatre comedy. The set-design and costumes are mesmerising with lighting and effects that play meaningful parts in the production.

Of course, pantomime's are notoriously known for their frilly and fabulous costumes, water pistols and audience participation, but I really felt like Mother Goose took it to the next level in the best way possible. And it must have been my lucky night because the chosen audience member was just as hilarious and enthusiastic as the cast!

Phylip Harries as Gwladys GoosePhylip Harries as Gwladys Goose (Image: Andrew AB)
From 20mph speed limits to Gavin and Stacey and Ryan Reynolds, the production is filled with brilliant one-liners and Welsh references which make you belly-laugh from start to end. The references to Mold, Wrexham and Wales truly made it more special - including Gwladys Goose's Welsh-dragon inspired wardrobe.

The show invites you to become friends with Mari Goose (Celia Cruwys-Finnigan) as she and her mother, Gwladys (Phylip Harries) as the cheeky pair navigate their lives with money struggles before meeting Glennie Goose (Ryan Owen) which magically changes their luck.

Joe Butcher as Freddie the Fox and Georgina White as Suella De RhylJoe Butcher as Freddie the Fox and Georgina White as Suella De Rhyl (Image: Andrew AB)

But trouble soon stirs as the wicked villain Suella De Rhyl (Georgina White) alongside her foxy sidekick Freddie (Joe Butcher) plans to capture Glennie for herself, believing that all animals are only good for two things; eating and wearing. It's the classic tale we've seen time and time again where good triumphs all, only this is truly spectacular. And believe me, this is a cast which knows exactly what it's doing.

There are the 'oh no he's not' and 'he's behind you' routines which audiences know and love that add a great sense of nostalgia while balancing the subliminal tale of morality.

L-R: Dan Bottomley as Barrie, Steve Simmonds as Lord Larry Parry and Chioma Uma as CarrieL-R: Dan Bottomley as Barrie, Steve Simmonds as Lord Larry Parry and Chioma Uma as Carrie (Image: Andrew AB)

I felt like I had been transported back to my childhood, encouraged to throw myself into it all by shouting out and singing along to some of the biggest rock, pop and soul songs throughout. The production is goofy and playful in the most entertaining, light-hearted and cheerful way. For me, it's not simply the jokes, but the timing of them that makes it what it is. And I don't know a single person who wouldn't utterly adore it.

Of course, Gwladys is the star of the show, played perfectly by long-standing theatre actor Phylip Harries, followed by Mari who so effortlessly shares her powerhouse vocals and refreshing zest for life. Phylip is outrageously good at what he does, creating a wonderful rapport with the audience and always leaving us wanting more.

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However, an unscripted moment (well, there were several moments) with a butterfly on stage made actor Steve Simmons steal the show for me. His improvisation as Lord Larry Parry was genius, and left us all fighting for breath on more than one occasion. Together with Phylip, they are true comedy.

The show incorporates hit after hit from various decades, all worthy of the heartfelt applauses they received. The actors double up as the musicians so seamlessly throughout, ultimately showcasing the high level of talent and commitment on the stage, including from double-act Carrie (Chioma Uma) and Barrie (Dan Bottomley). 

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Our narrator for the evening and charming fairy is none other than Alice McKenna playing Billie Eyelash. Her sweet innocence is destined to put a smile on your face as she moves the narrative along. Not to mention Mari's soft sport Hari Parry (Imad Eldeen) who becomes a favourite as he gladly followers her into mischief. 

Overall, Mother Goose at Theatr Clwyd does not leave you short changed. You expect a pantomime and leave feeling more than satisfied after 2 hours 20 minutes of non-stop laugher and music brought to you by a stellar cast. It is that eggcellent. 

Underneath the laughs, it's a story of friendship, love and kindness, and a beautiful reminder of what really matters in the run up to this year's festivities. 

Catch it at Theatr Clwyd in Mold until January 19, 2025.