Aspiring performers across Portsmouth have until 11:59pm on Sunday, 12 July 2026 to apply for the amateur pantomime Mother Goose at Theatre Royal, the latest community production from Portsmouth Theatres. The festive show, which runs from 13 December to 31 December 2026, is casting roles including Demon Vanity, Squire Tightwad, and Fairy Good Feather, alongside ensemble positions.
Auditions will be held at Theatre Royal on Sunday, 26 July, for performers aged 18 and over. No previous stage experience is required. The role of Mother Goose is already under offer, but the creative team—led by Head of Production and Co-Director Jack Edwards alongside Co-Director Julia Worsley—seeks actors for six named parts: Demon Vanity, Squire Tightwad, Charlie Goose, Jill, Billy Goose, and Fairy Good Feather. Registration is exclusively through the Kings Theatre website, where the audition pack is available to download. Portsmouth Theatres warns that if applications exceed expectations, the window could close early.
Mother Goose follows a struggling mother of three who becomes the subject of a bet between Fairy Good Feather and Demon Vanity, gaining a magic goose that lays golden eggs. The production is the companion piece to the larger Pompey Panto at the Grade II* listed Kings Theatre in Southsea, continuing a tradition of dual festive shows across the city’s historic venues. Edwards, Portsmouth’s resident Dame with twelve consecutive pantomime seasons at the Kings, is joined by Worsley, a regular cast member, while Choreographer Jacqueline Willis and Musical Supervisor Andrew Woodford round out the artistic team.
Portsmouth Theatres highlights its commitment to inclusive casting that reflects the community, welcoming performers of all backgrounds, genders, and ethnicities. Auditionees must be available for the full run from 13–31 December. Children aged 9–15 will audition separately for the juvenile ensemble, with details to be announced later.
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