Reviewed by Kate O'Sullivan
"The Christmas pantomime is a place where villains are booed, heroes cheered, and the child in all of us is set free." If you’re looking for some festive fun and a good old-fashioned laugh, head up to the hills to catch "Mother Goose on the Loose" at the Marloo Theatre in Greenmount, WA. Running until December 7, this brand-new pantomime, newly written and directed by Taneal Thompson, is packed with energy, humour, and all the magic of the season.
Set in the whimsical Nursery Rhyme Land, it’s a show that ticks all the panto boxes: audience participation, silly jokes, big characters, and, of course, plenty of chances to shout, “They’re behind you!”
Gavin Crane is absolutely brilliant as Lucy Goose. As the show’s Dame, he has the audience eating out of the palm of his hand, balancing hilarious one-liners with moments of real heart—especially when Lucy worries about the missing pretty maids. His performance is an absolute scene-stealer and exactly what you want in a panto dame.
The baddies are always a highlight in any pantomime, and this show has two solidly boo-able ones. Clayton van Dijk plays the creepy Peter Pumpkin Eater, who really finds his stride in the second act. While his characterisation could have been a bit stronger in the first half, he brings the perfect level of pantomime villainy in the latter, earning plenty of boos from the audience. Meanwhile, Candice Preston as Mary Quite Contrary is completely over-the-top from start to finish in the best way possible. She’s unhinged, hilarious, and a total joy to watch.
The rest of the cast are full of charm and bring their respective Nursery Rhyme characters to life with loads of personality. Sophie David’s Miss Muffet is hilariously prissy and plays well opposite Sean Wcislo's inclusion-seeking Little Jack Horner, Eliza Malcolm gives us a sassy Bo Beep, and Zoë Carr is solid as Mary with her scene-stealing Lamb, played adorably by Kirrily Martin. The ensemble of Jacks—Little Jack Horner, Jack-Be-Nimble, and Jack Spratt—bring loads of laughs too, each adding quirks and distinctive traits to their roles.
There’s so much happening in Mother Goose on the Loose that it can feel like a lot to follow. With two villains on separate missions, plus the Jack and Jill storyline, it’s a bit like having too many strings in a puppet show. Simplifying the plot might have given the story a little more breathing room, but it doesn’t stop the show being fun and feeling like a classic British pantomime.
The costumes are mostly great, with characters like Jill (complete with her bucket) being instantly recognizable. That said, Peter Pumpkin Eater’s look could’ve been clearer—his identity only really clicks once his name is mentioned. A more distinctive costume or prop would make his presence more impactful, especially in the earlier scenes.
The show looks fantastic, with fairy-tale-style sets and creative lighting that make Nursery Rhyme Land feel magical. The choreography, led by Kira Impson and team, is bright and energetic, and the ensemble performs it with enthusiasm. Rebecca McRae has done a great job on the vocal side, and the songs (a mix of familiar tunes and new ones) keep the audience tapping along. There is a moment where there are a lot of songs back-to-back which possibly could have done with being spread out a touch, just to allow the storylines to flow a little clearer, but they are all well performed.
Mother Goose on the Loose is everything you want from a pantomime: it’s funny, colourful, and full of heart. Taneal Thompson has done an amazing job creating a show that feels fresh while keeping all the traditional panto fun we know and love. It’s the perfect way to kick off the festive season, so grab your family, warm up your vocal cords for some booing and cheering, and get yourself to the Marloo Theatre before it’s gone!
Reviewer Note: Kate has previously performed at Marloo Theatre, most recently in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. As such, she has also worked with some members of this cast. Tickets for this review were provided by the theatre company.
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