Theatre Royal Winchester is preparing for the opening night of its family pantomime, Mother Goose.

The show will premiere on Saturday, November 30, and will run until Sunday, January 5.

The cast, including Julian Eardley and Liam Watson, who play Mother Goose and her son Jack, are in rehearsals, learning lines, musical pieces, songs and dance routines.

The technical team is busy constructing the set, while finishing touches are being made to costumes.

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The theatre’s front-of-house team has decorated Christmas trees to add a festive touch to the foyer and has prepared a selection of souvenirs, snacks and drinks for the audience to enjoy during the show.

Last week, Eardley and Watson helped warm up the crowd at Winchester’s Christmas Lights Switch-On.

Eardley is also excited to be reunited with former cast members Libby Gore and Brontë Alice-Tadman, who will play Fairy Virtue and Demon Vice.

Gore returns for her fifth pantomime at the theatre, having debuted as Fairy Bow Bells in Dick Whittington in 2019 and last appearing as Rusty the Tin Man in 2022’s Wizard of Oz, while Alice-Tadman played Cinderella in 2017.

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This year’s pantomime tells the story of how Mother Goose’s fortunes change when she meets the magical Priscilla, the goose that lays golden eggs.

When Priscilla is stolen, Mother Goose and her son Jack must embark on an adventure to rescue her, with some help from their friends.

This is the first time Mother Goose has been performed at Theatre Royal Winchester.

The annual pantomime, produced in-house by Play to the Crowd, is suitable for families and includes jokes, original songs, live music and audience participation.

It has been written by James Barry and Robin Belfield, with music by Simon Slater and directed by Belfield.

Tickets for all performances are on sale now, with a range of accessible (relaxed, audio-described, and BSL-interpreted) performances available.

A touch tour and the ability to livestream at home are also offered, ensuring everyone can enjoy the show in an environment right for them.

Mother Goose is supported by Play to the Crowd’s corporate partner, regional law firm, Paris Smith.

For more information or to book tickets, visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840440.