Awards
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Mother Goose Panto 2023 has been voted by NODA (East) Best Pantomine 2023!
Since 2010, our productions have been reviewed by NODA – National Operatic and Dramatic Association. A number have been shortlisted for awards.
The last time we were nominated for awards were in 2018 for our 2017 pantomine productions of Pinocchio and Aladdin 2018 in 2019.
During lockdown we had to find an innovative way of maintaining dramatic entertainment. We achieved this with a series of sketches and songs, much of which was written and produced by our resident writer and producer Steve Burton, for which he/the Players received a special award from NODA.
Winner NODA East (District 6) Best Pantomime 2023
Review – Sarah Meers – District 6 Representative, NODA East
March 2023
Having never been to Loddon before it was lovely to walk into a quaint little church hall to see a pantomime on a windy Sunday afternoon. I had a very friendly and a warm welcome. It is always nice to see a sold-out performance, especially as this was their first production after 3 years.
Mother Goose is a story about nursery rhyme characters in their day to day lives and their trials and tribulations that interlink with one other. Mother Goose wants to be rich and pretty but, once she gets one of these desires, it isn’t all what it’s ‘cracked-up’ to be.
Everybody suited their character and role perfectly. Clear diction and expression in the acting was great. The cast all worked well together and created the atmosphere of panto land. I really enjoyed all your performances. There were some great comedy moments and such fun was had throughout the show. Working the audience and getting them on your side it not an easy task but, everyone did this with style and verve. You could feel the whole audience enjoyed this production, so a massive well done.
Director (Jackie Bingham) Choreographer (Vicky Codling) and Musical Director (Alan Cant) all brought their own style and technique to create this wonderful show.
The set was ‘just right’ for this production, not ‘over-egged’ to overpower the stage but, looked appropriate for the storyline. The use of the stage was worked really well, as it’s not always easy in a small space to create the plot, but this was done with grace. I really liked that the use of the walkway through the middle of the auditorium to make the audience feel part of the action.
The choice of songs was very apt for the storyline and had a fun feel to them. The singing was excellent with so much energy.
Props were ideal for the story and used well. The pool of eternal youth was hilarious, with a tiny paddling pool used, which was such a great idea. Very funny and the colourful costumes were in-keeping with each character.
The choreography was very effective and imaginative for each song. I loved seeing all different genres and styles, a good variety for panto. I especially loved the opening number “brand new day” which was full of life, with lovely smiling faces and great energy. I loved the tap in “we’re in the money” and the ballet, with a bit of humour involving baby geese and of course Gertie at the end.
It wouldn’t be panto without the audience participation. Humpty Dumpty was brilliant fun and was a lovely touch to give everyone in the audience a treat.
This Pantomime was good family fun. It had the right innuendos for panto, great jokes throughout and I was laughing all the way through. A great afternoon’s entertainment.
A very well done to you all. Thank you.
