Zoe Talbot and Christen Mooney, stars of 'Mother Goose' at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin
Don't be fooled by their youth: 10-year-old Zoe Talbot and nine-year-old Christen Mooney are veterans of the Gaiety stage, having danced in Jack & the Beanstalk and Aladdin. The girls take on the role of Priscilla, the goose that lays the golden egg, in this year's Gaiety panto, which starts tomorrow. They will climb into their goose costume on alternate nights for 104 shows. And they haven't been getting off lightly because they are at school. "They have been in rehearsals for three solid weeks, every day after school and all day on Saturdays," says Zoe's mum.
Are they nervous about taking on their first principal role? "I just can't wait for it," says Zoe. "We have been practising really hard, and words can't describe how excited I am! I think kids will love it." Christen, who has also been practising at home with her five-year-old sister, agrees with her best friend. "I love panto. It makes Christmas for me."
Neither girl has had time to write to Santa. What if he doesn't come? "Of course he will come," says Christen, adding that when she gets time to write a letter she will ask for CDs, a PlayStation and an electric scooter. Zoe will also be looking for a PlayStation - "a pink one" - and lots of CDs. I suspect they compared notes before we met. When will they have time to play with the toys? "Probably not until next summer," says Christen.
The girls are grateful for the help they get from the adults involved in the pantomime. Christen singles out Mark O'Shaughnessy, who plays Mother Goose; Zoe praises the show's choreographer, Thomas Spratt, and director, Carole Todd. "It's really great experience for us to work with them," says Zoe.
How do their school friends react to having stars in their midst? "They are really nice about it. They are not jealous. I think they are proud of us," says Zoe. • Mother Goose is at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin 2, from tomorrow until February 4th.