IT used to be said locally it’s panto time again, it will snow! For years I can remember that it did. We had to dig ourselves out to get to rehearsals and tramp down knee deep in snow.

Those days seemed to have gone for good in what some experts call global warming but how difficult it must have been for everyone involved in this year’s panto to put the show together and get it on stage.

Weather problems there had been but in spite of this the show was brilliant and a first for producer Marjorie Inman. Mother Goose is a favourite pantomime and this year’s script by Peter Long and Keith Rawnsley was enjoyable, More continuity, just the right amount of comedy, a good storyline with interesting and varied scenes and best of all a good choice of song and dance routines.

Music had a bit more of a modern touch but generally was traditional and tuneful. Choreography by Christine Braid was a treat. The dancers excelled, especially the sunbeams.

The show had pace, the staging and sets were super, costumes dazzling.

Costumes for the dancers, sunbeams and chorus were made by ladies of the committee. Principal Costumes, which were outstanding, came from Dress Circle and Northern Costume Hire.

Marjorie Inman has a long history with Yeadon Charities, performing on stage, Her late husband Neville also. So it must be a proud moment for to have such a success with Mother Goose, particularly to see playing the Dame her son Robin, who I know for a fact was on stage before he was born!

He takes on the role of Mother Goose with ease and has a pleasant, natural manner which the audience loved. His was a fine and promising performance.

Frank Mottram shone as Bobby Goose. He has such an appealing personality and he works well with Robin.

The part of Gretchen is nicely played by Pat Poole and all three, together with the sunbeams, enjoyed the catchy Tulips From Amsterdam.

As Principal Boy and Girl there is a delightful partnership in Tracy Ford (formerly Annal) and Rebecca Matthews. Rebecca is a new face to Principal Girl, she is obviously very versatile and makes a pretty and captivating partner for the talented and accomplished Tracy, back this year as Principal Boy. All their musical numbers were a hit but I particularly enjoyed With You On My Arm.

Another new face was Paul Wainwright as the Baron. He was excellent and was ably manouevred about the stage by Doreen Seaman as the bossy lady Bloodstone.

Peter Long and Joe Tasker were great as Snatchit and Scarper, deriving plenty of comedy out of their efforts to catch the goose, well handled by the young Laura Cole.

It was nice this year to see Caroline Darnbrook looking lovely as the Fairy Queen. She was usually looking green and wicked as the witch.

Her song You’ve Got A Friend was impressive and well sung.

Demon King was Winston Robinson, who was met with lots of booing and hissing. King of Gooseland was Conner Matthews. Perhaps more could have been made of this scene. The sunbeams were delightful in the ballet sequence.

The donkey was played by Fergus McManus and Michael O’Donnell.

In charge of the orchestra and orchestrations was Musical Director Derek Broadbent assisted by Deputy MD Trevor Vincent.. The band together with the Dame and men on stage had a ball with the number Hot Stuff. This was not an easy routine for them but men and boys alike did a great job. The Thunderbirds scene with the dancers was also excellent.

As usual a spectacular finale scene ended the pantomime. An admirable and enjoyable 2010 production.