Stratford East announces festive pantomime Mama Goose for 2025 Season

Stratford East has unveiled its much-anticipated pantomime for the 2025 festive season: Mama Goose.

Written and directed by Vikki Stone and Tonderai Munyevu, with music by Stratford East panto veteran Robert Hyman, the production will run from 21 November 2025 to 3 January 2026.

Renowned for their fresh and inventive takes on classic tales, Stratford East’s pantomimes are a highlight of the holiday season in East London. Mama Goose offers a reimagined twist on the traditional fairy tale, inviting audiences to join local heroine Mama Goose and her magical golden-egg-laying companion for a heartwarming and riotous adventure.

Writers and directors Vikki Stone and Tonderai Munyevu expressed their excitement about bringing Mama Goose to Stratford East. “It’s an idea we’ve had bubbling for a while, and we couldn’t be happier to be at Stratford where we feel it really belongs. We’re looking forward to working closely with everyone at the theatre, who are already proving to be excellent partners, especially Lisa Spirling and the brilliant Robert Hyman. Nobody knows the Stratford East panto better than him. Mama Goose promises to be a unique and unforgettable treat this winter, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone in.”

Lisa Spirling, Artistic Director of Stratford East, echoed their enthusiasm. “It feels very special to be bringing this dream team together to work on Mama Goose for this year’s Stratford Panto. With decades of panto expertise between them, Vikki, Tonderai, and Robert’s wholly original and raucous take on Mother Goose will be an explosion of festive joy.”

Mother Goose has long been a favourite panto story, with recent high-profile productions including Ian McKellen’s 2022-23 production at the Duke of York’s Theatre in the West End and on tour, as well as Hackney Empire’s 2022 staging starring Clive Rowe.

Stratford East’s 2025 Season Highlights

Beyond its much-loved annual pantomime, Stratford East has a diverse season lined up for 2025. The programme includes The Women of Llanrumney (19 March – 12 April), a collaboration with Sherman Theatre that explores powerful female narratives. Family audiences can enjoy The Colour of Dinosaurs (16-17 April), an innovative production blending music and science, supported by Polka Theatre and Bristol Old Vic.

Tambo & Bones (29 April – 10 May), co-produced with several regional theatres, will offer a bold take on race, capitalism, and performance, while Lovestuck (6 June – 12 July), a new work presented with Wildpark Entertainment, explores the complexities of modern romance.

In August, Stratford East partners with Sadler’s Wells for an exciting new production of Romeo & Juliet (7-9 August). The season continues with The Harder They Come (13 September – 25 October), a vibrant reimagining of the iconic reggae musical, produced in association with Washington Square Films.

Mama Goose runs from 21 November 2025 to 3 January 2026 at Stratford East. Tickets are now on sale.

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Main photo: Mama Goose - Stratford East