Mother Goose is on her way to Ramelton for next week's pantomime

Roll up! Roll up! for the magic, mirth and mayhem of the Ramelton Pantomime! 

Yes, dear readers, it is that time of year when the shell of the winter cocoon can be cracked open and this year it brings forth the wonderful story of Mother Goose.  

An eggscellent (sorry about that!) way to emerge from the darkness of Winter into the new life of Spring.  The doors open to the show on Monday, March 11 and it will run until Saturday 16 at the Town Hall. Tickets are available here

It is interesting to note that five of the original 1965 production participants are involved in this year’s show – Tony Boyce, Jean McDaid (Winston), Tommy Logan, Mickey McHugh and Joe Birney.  Joe, of course, was in the children’s scene as a gosling,  

The origins of the Mother Goose story are the subject of much speculation in the literary world.  At first, she was the storyteller for children in Chrles Perrault’s folkloric tales including Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, but over time she became a story figure in her own right and eventually she was fashioned into the Dame character we are now familiar with.  It is claimed the story may even go back to ancient Greece.

Mother Goose is a poor woman who is going to be evicted from her home by the Squire.  The good fairy, Harmony, sends her Priscilla, a magic goose that lays golden eggs.  Her newfound wealth, however, causes Mother Goose to become vain and she is tempted by the wicked fairy, Discord, to exchange Priscilla for beauty.  Thus begins a series of adventures that take Mother Goose on a rollercoaster of danger until she is returned to her senses.

The cast is that healthy mixture of seasoned veterans and new talent.  Mother Goose will be played by the legend that is James Friel.  

Damien Duffy will relish playing the part of Clarence Creep, the wicked Squire.  The principal duo will this year again be Lizzy Haughey as Jill Goose, Mother Goose’s daughter and Jamie McGee as Colin, the Squire’s nephew.  

They enthralled last year's audiences in their debut principal performances.  The good and wicked fairies will be Maggie Durning and Catriona McCafferty, both veterans of the pantomime in character and principal girl roles.  Priscilla, the goose, is known as the most difficult ‘skin role’ in pantomime and will be played by Shirley Boyce. 

One of the most exciting pairings this year will be the comedy due, Sage and Onions, played by Martin Duffy and Johnny Coonan.  Eoghan Boyce, who was in the children’s scene in 2010’s Mother Goose, will play Billy Goose.  Star of stage and screen, Tommy Logan will play King Gander and his Queen Gosle will be May Parkinson, making her pantomime debut!  They will be attended by Lord Egg-White played by James Keys. 

Two hallmarks of a Ramelton Pantomime are in the traditional style of scenery and special effects and Ramelton has been fortunate in having the creative talents of John Harkin and Tony Boyce to avail of.  Between them, they unfailingly manage to create a complete world on the Town Hall stage. 

Joe Birney, Michael Kinnear and Eilo Boye have certainly put the hours in preparing the hall for the show.  Mick Geever is in charge of Sound and Lighting with his team – Christopher Birney and Edan Bradley.  Strabane man, Ronan Doherty, has become part of the furniture in the hall since his first time as the pantomime’s musical director in 1992.  The children’s scene is in the capable hands of Roisin Bradley, Nathasha and Shirley Boyce.  Gerald McFadden and Elaine Ferry are again in charge of the choreography.

All that remains is for you to do yourself a favour and book your ticket for a night of normal, healthy, light entertainment.  Never was it more needed!