After two years of “Oh yes it is” and “Oh no it isn’t”, the Lakeland Players are back at the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen with the eggs-travaganza that is ‘Mother Goose’.

 

Lakeland Players Mother Goose rehearsal.

Lakeland Players' 'Mother Goose' rehearsal.

 

Starting tonight (Thursday, January 12) and running until Saturday, January 21, Mother Goose promises to bring lots of laughs and feel-good moments.

 

Lakeland Players Mother Goose rehearsal.

Lakeland Players' 'Mother Goose' rehearsal.

 

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, Tracey Kernaghan – who is playing the character of Lady Bloodstone – said she is “delighted” to be back on the stage with the Lakeland Players again – a group she describes as “like a family”.

 

Lakeland Players Mother Goose rehearsal.

Lakeland Players' 'Mother Goose' rehearsal.

 

She said: “It’s really exciting to be back and to meet up with everyone again because we are all such good friends.

“That’s the one thing about panto – it’s like a whole family,” she added, acknowledging not only the cast but also the backstage team.

 

Lakeland Players Mother Goose rehearsal.

Lakeland Players' 'Mother Goose' rehearsal.

 

‘Colourful and energetic’

Describing Mother Goose as “a colourful and energetic production” with brilliant songs and good-old characters coming back again, Tracey added: “It’s also really lovely because most of the chorus are brand-new, so it’s been really exciting, getting to know them, to see their bright eyes and excitement.

“And it’s great to see some of the young ones come through from the chorus now taking up lead roles.”

 

Lakeland Players Mother Goose rehearsal.

Lakeland Players' 'Mother Goose' rehearsal.

 

Moving up from the chorus to play Bonnie Goose, Mother Goose’s daughter in this year’s production, Laoise Doherty told this newspaper that it’s always been a dream of hers to be a lead in the pantomime.

“I still can’t get my head around it! I still feel in rehearsals like I should be in the chorus. It’s just amazing. I’ve always wanted a lead role in the panto – it’s always been a dream of mine,” she said.

Filled with wonderful comedy scenes and all the usual traditional slapstick and audience participation, Mother Goose will be sure to get 2023 off to an eggs-cellent start!