ATG (Ambassador Theatre Group), the powerhouse behind some of the West End’s biggest productions—including Cabaret, The Book of Mormon, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang—set out to create the ultimate pantomime. Starring the legendary Sir Ian McKellen in the titular role, this brand-new production of Mother Goose was no ordinary panto. Unlike many seasonal productions, it embarked on an extensive UK tour, including a major West End run.
Sir Ian Mckellen as Mother Goose
The stellar cast also featured the brilliantly funny John Bishop and the immensely talented MJ Casey, under the direction of the visionary Cal McCrystal (Paddington, Cirque du Soleil), with a fresh script by Jonathan Harvey. It was destined to be a theatrical event not to be missed.
Bringing the Orphaned Animals to Life
ATG, under Cal’s direction, approached us to design and create a cast of orphaned animal puppets—characters that would exist alongside a troupe of human animal orphans. These puppets had to:
- Seamlessly blend with the show’s visual aesthetic while retaining their own distinct personalities.
- Be visually striking and comedic, even from a distance.
- Be durable enough to endure the demands of a long-running theatrical production.
The Puppet Lineup
We brought to life a menagerie of unforgettable characters, including:
- A fish in a bowl, complete with bubbles.
- A scrappy street cat.
- A towering llama on roller skates, with hilariously broken legs.
- A shy hedgehog.
- A mischievous armadillo.
- A walkabout pig with a distinct Boris Johnson flair.
- Six baby geese, full of charm.
- Some yappy little dogs as Mother Goose’s pets.
- A speeding giant snail.
- A very chatty parrot.
The show was a huge success, and our puppet designs became a core part of its identity—featured across merchandise, advertising, and promotional materials.
This production of Mother Goose wasn’t just another panto—it was a landmark theatrical event, and we were thrilled to be a part of bringing its magical world to life.
mother goose cast
About Us
Here at Fuzzy Lightbulb, we specialize in bringing unforgettable characters to life, crafting magical moments that leave a lasting impression. Through a collaborative approach that blends artistry, innovation, and a deep understanding of your audience, we create character experiences that resonate and leave a lasting impression.
Our diverse portfolio spans theatre and theme parks, holiday resorts and hotels, cruise lines, corporate brands, and TV and film.
We offer bespoke services, from auditing existing IPs to character creation, puppet and mascot design, merchandise and retail strategies, as well as onsite training and maintenance. As our client, you’ll work directly with us—the creatives—ensuring a personalized and seamless experience.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to bring your vision to life!
And do come back to see what new and exciting projects we have been working on. 🙂