Oor Wee Mammy McGoose review: stunning panto that taps into Kirkcaldy’s heart

They deliver all the laughter, colour and warmth you expect from the festive shows, but they also do something else, something unique. They capture Kirkcaldy’s heart and soul quite beautifully - movingly so.

Any thoughts the Kings would rest on its laurels after being nominated for ‘outstanding panto’ in 2024 were swiftly dispelled as Oor Wee Mammy McGoose opened to a packed house, and ended with a standing ovation.

The buzz was evident from the very start. It was fast, slick and huge fun, and it set the bar by which all other pantos should be judged.

‘Mammy’ may be Scotland’s smallest panto, but it never lets the physical constraints of the venue hold it back in any way. The cast use every inch of the building to superb effect, taking this show into the very heart of the audience throughout.

It’s simply impossible to leave without a smile on your face and joy in your heart, and that is thanks to a team which pulls out all the stops on and off stage.

The five-strong cast deliver excellent performances, while the stage setting by Graham ‘Scotty’ Scott - who also doubles up as puppeteer to Gus Goose - captures the thrill and excitement of the Links Market which sits at the very heart of the story, and Lewis Milne’s lighting design is simply perfect, with Stephen ‘Steps’ Roberts delivering the perfect musical score. New director Suzi Budd has created a panto that simply zips along.

The story is as Kirkcaldy as it comes. Mark McDonnell’s fabulous script tells of Mammy McGoose (Billy Mack) and her bid to save the market from the clutches of Madame Roxette, the evil fortune teller (Shona White) who wants it for herself.

McDonnell plays Bampot, a one-man joke machine who rattles off quick-fire gags and countless knock knock jokes, and his comedy partnership with the irrepressible, peerless Mack is simply a joy to watch. They are masters of their craft.

Sarah Cooper Brown and newcomer Ross McKenzie also excel in their roles and Frankie and Johnny - the latter given a cool Rydell High ‘50s look - whose love blossoms, while Shona White is a fantastic baddie who revels in her scenes.

And when they come together for the musical numbers, the vocals are perfect.

No other panto will surely match Mammy McGoose when it comes to song choices. Robbie Williams may be a staple of many shows, but who else would add in Radiohead’s Creep - superbly delivered by Shona White - and a blast of Pink Floyd? And then there’s a Fife version of Amy Winehouse’s ‘Rehab’ that went down a treat.

And just when you think you have heard it all, the cast sit down and deliver a moving, beautiful rendition of Dancing On The Streets Of Raith – a reflective, poignant song about Kirkcaldy by renowned Kirkcaldy band Shambolics, complete with the group’s video which captures the Lang Toun we all know and love through old family footage from the early 1960s.

It’s a perfect moment, simply staged and sung from the heart. It’s moments like this that make this magic wee panto so special to all who see it. A five-star panto, for sure.

> Oor Wee Mammy McGoose, Kings Theatre, until January 10. Ticket details here.