Portsmouth Theatres is presenting first in-house panto

Excitement is building for an “outrageous” pantomime with a "barrel of laughs” as Portsmouth Theatres is set to present its very first in-house panto, Mother Goose.

Laugh-out-loud comedy and musical fun from a cast of talented local performers promises to light up the historic Theatre Royal from December 13 to 31 for the family-friendly festive spectacle.

Theatre Royal in Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, launched their Christmas pantomime of Mother Goose on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Pictured is: (l-r) Gil Downs as Charlie Goose, Sarah Partridge as Fairy Goodfeather, Faith Adams as Jess Goose, Cherry Liquor as Mother Goose, Daren Cooper as Billy Goose and Gary Fairhall as Squire Squashem. | Sarah Standing

placeholder image — Theatre Royal in Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, launched their Christmas pantomime of Mother Goose on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Pictured is: (l-r) Gil Downs as Charlie Goose, Sarah Partridge as Fairy Goodfeather, Faith Adams as Jess Goose, Cherry Liquor as Mother Goose, Daren Cooper as Billy Goose and Gary Fairhall as Squire Squashem. | Sarah Standing

Packed with dazzling costumes, stunning sets, toe-tapping musical numbers and all the classic pantomime traditions - including a forgotten line or two - are guaranteed to leave the 500 capacity audiences entertained during this family favourite tale with a twist.

Starring Portsmouth’s very own “Queen of Camp” Cherry Liquor, playing Mother Goose, the show promises to be one not to miss.

Theatre Royal in Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, launched their Christmas pantomime of Mother Goose on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Pictured is: Cherry Liquor as Mother Goose. | Sarah Standing

Speaking to The News, Cherry, who in cheeky panto style confessed to have forgotten to wear undergarments for the launch event, said: “Babe, I’m so excited. I grew up in Portsmouth and to perform at the Theatre Royal will be insane.

“The script is outrageous, absolutely crazy. The audience is going to be up for an amazing time. It’s going to be good fun. There will be lots of laughter and crowd interaction and if I remember my lines we’ll see how I go off as I normally do.

“All the cast I’ve never worked with before so it’s going to be amazing. There’s going to be different people of all different ages and we’ve got people who have done big things in theatre so bringing lots of different people from Portsmouth that have done so many different things is going to be amazing.”

Speaking of how preparations are going, Cherry added: “I had started to practise my lines but then they changed the script and they sent me another copy and I said to them I’ve already learned it so you need to correct that!”

Theatre Royal in Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, launched their Christmas pantomime of Mother Goose on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Pictured is: Gary Fairhall as Squire Squashem. | Sarah Standing

Gary Fairhall, playing Squire Squashem, said: “I can’t tell you how excited I am. I’ve come out of retirement for this. I wanted to be part of a fantastic company. It’s by the people of Portsmouth for the people of Portsmouth which says everything. I can’t think of anything better.

“I can’t wait to start. Working with the wonderful Cherry and looking forward to working with all the company. Everyone's done lots of exciting things and I’m looking forward to sharing that with them.”

Speaking of what to expect, he added: “Mayhem, laughter, a tear or two and dastardly deeds. From me I shall be loving and kind as I always am. I’m a misunderstood loving soul who people may boo, especially if I forget my lines.”

Meanwhile, the Goose family promises the show will be “fast-paced, a barrel of laughs” with “lots of music and songs”, with rehearsals starting on Sunday after their first read through on Thursday.

Faith Adams, playing Jess Goose in her panto debut, said she was thrilled at the opportunity having come from a dance background and having worked for the theatre last year as a choreographer. “It’s going to be absolute chaos. There will be a lot of audience participation which is going to be great fun,” she said.

Gil Downs, performing as Charlie Goose, said: “It’s an honour to have the opportunity - especially at the age of 18 - and to do something on this scale is amazing.

“I went in for the audition with not very high hopes so to get this part I couldn’t be more thrilled. Panto is a really British thing, cementing Christmas time. People want to come and have a good time and we won’t disappoint.”

Daren Cooper, who as Billy Goose completes the Goose family, joked he suffers from “dancelexia” and the audition “didn’t go as well as I hoped” but surprised himself to be picked - and is now raring to get going. “I think the crowd will be quite lively. People that come to the panto are usually looking for a good time,” he said.

Southsea actress Sarah Partridge, playing Fairy Goodfeather, said: “I’m super excited to be playing the fairy. I’ve been acting and dancing from a young age and I’ve been in shows at the Kings Theatre.

“I’m looking forward to performing on a new stage. It will be really good working with all the local talent as a team. There will be lots of laughter and silliness, which is what the panto is all about, and a nice warming ending.”

Mother Goose will be directed by local pantomime favourites Jack Edwards and Julia Worsley, who have entertained Portsmouth audiences for many years, as well as appearing in the West End, national touring productions and in international theatre, television and film.