THE SHOW

The History of Goody Two Shoes was originally published in

1765, and told the story of poor impoverished orphan girl Margery Meanwell whose poverty means she is forced to go through life with just one shoe.

Then, through her good deeds and virtuous acts, two shoes become her ultimate reward. In its day it became a hugely influential and popular morality tale, clearly designed to inspire children to ‘be good.’

Perhaps predictably, the story gained in popularity in the virtuous Victorian age, with many subsequent variations on the basic plot being transformed into pantomimes. A fairytale gloss was often added to the productions, with the usual pantomime characters of Dame, Villain, Hero and comedy double act incorporated into the plot. Several high-profile West End productions were staged in the mid 1940s and 50s but its popularity then tended to wane. It was last performed in this area in 1964 when it was staged at the Coronation Hall in Ulverston by the British Legion Concert Party.

Our pantomime is a brand new version of the story written by local author Graham Whalan, with affectionate nods to the Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, and even Strictly Come Dancing! Our plot features an orphan girl who has been taken in by kindly, but penniless Dame Meanwell. Her dream comes true when the mysterious Fairy Goodhope rewards Goody with a pair of wonderful shoes which, she says, have magical properties. Goody must prove herself worthy of them in order to release the magic. The wicked Squire Grabbitt and Goodhope’s jealous sister Fairy Grudge both then conspire to steal the shoes away. Can Goody’s sweetheart Roland save the day?

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