Story Time with Mama G, Q&A with cast and crew

This September Wanstead Fringe stalwart Mama G returns in ‘Story Time with Mama G’. Described as "Everyone's favourite pantomime dame," (Metro), Mama G has been telling stories since 2018. In that time she has been a semi-finalist on Britain's Got Talent, published three picture books, performed her show Off-Broadway, as well as at libraries, festivals, prides, museums and theatres all over the UK. In Story Time with Mama G she will be sharing original stories and songs, and some of the best picture books on the market, in an uplifting performance for the whole family. There'll be dancing and giggles galore as Mama G shares the power of being who you want and loving who you are! Ahead of the show’s launch as part of the new Family Fringe, I spoke to the team behind Mama G about her theatrical world, the importance of storytelling, the joys of Fringe theatre and more…

What inspired you to create Story Time with Mama G?

I love panto, books, and encouraging people to see how amazing they are; so I decided to combine all three into a fun and uplifting story time that people of all ages can enjoy!

When did you start your (now iconic) story times and why do you think audiences respond so well to them?

I first started telling stories in Brighton in 2018 in an attempt to promote a production of 'Mother Goose' that I was starring in! Mother Goose is the only pantomime dame who is also the title character, and historically she was also a storyteller, so it all fit together perfectly. My mission has always been to tell stories about being who you want and loving who you are and it turns out that people really need to hear that! I think the message has got even more important over the years and panto is such a great way to communicate it. There's nothing heavyhanded in what I do, so my motto is relayed in a really fun and accesible way.

Story Time with Mama G combines panto, storytelling, music, comedy and audience participation. How do you approach bringing all of these different ingredients together?

I hate to say it: but it comes naturally to me! I am panto through and through, it's how I communicate and how I behave. I'm not sure what the science behind it is, but I love it!

What is it about stories and reading that you think makes them so powerful and necessary right now?

Stories have alwaysrt been used to communicate and educate. For literally 1000s of years. Everything we access is storytelling in someway, whether it's a panto, or watching the news, or gossiping with your neighbour about someone down the road. Stories can also help people understand the world around them, by seeing a situation through a different lens, as well as giving a perspective on other peoples' lives that can help us be more empathetic to their experiences. 

You're a panto dame, so I’m assuming there’s a lot of chaos involved in this production! What has been the most fun or ridiculous moment to come out of making the show?

Oh there's chaos everywhere I go!!! That's the most beautiful thing about panto! I love that I've created a space that gives kids the freedom to feel comfortable to be themselves (and for parents to introduce theatre etiquette should they wish!) The most fun moments are usually a kid saying something unhinged or unexpected. 

The show is designed for the whole family. What do you think makes a great family show, and what can adults rediscover when they experience this kind of theatre alongside children?

A great family show has material that everyone can enjoy at the same time, but for different reasons! It shouldn't patronise anyone in the audience, and should be designed to get everyone thinking in some way. When a show works on every level and becomes a shared experience, creating beautiful memories.

What do you enjoy about getting children - and grown-ups - involved, and do audiences ever surprise you with what they come up with?

Getting the audience involved is the heart of panto and it's one of the reasons I love panto as a genre. Audiences really are an extra character in a panto and they're vital to the fun! You never know how they're going to respond and that really keeps you on your toes.

What’s next in store for Mama G?

I'll be in panto at BEAM Hertford this Christmas and I'm looking forward to lots of projects I have coming up in 2027. In the meantime I'll also be working on new music and stories! 

Finally, what drew you to the Wanstead Fringe and what do you enjoy about bringing Story Time to a local Fringe audience?

Fringe is a vital way of getting a broad range of theatre to audiences that might not have access to more commercial shows. Wanstead is especially affordable for families, and Wanstead Curtain is a lovely venue!