Mother Goose was really putting on the style, reported The Mail in December 1997.

Under the headline, ‘Panto time brings out the costumes’, The Mail said the show featured a flashy polka dot frock, a cheeky little Scottish number, sequins slashed to the thigh and beautiful ball gowns.

In all David Marcus had 17 costume changes during that year’s Forum 28 pantomime, which had all bene created by Oldham theatrical costumier Charles Alty.

David, who had co-written and directed the Mother Goose show, played the title role in the show, which opened on December 26 and ran until January 3.

Also in the cast were Barrow’s television star David Barber (Fat Bloke from Harry Enfield’s shows); former Barrow amateur actor now making a professional living in London, Malcolm Smith: and Barrow’s Robert Lloyd, who had recently finished a music theatre course in Newcastle and was working in London.

Barrow amateur stars in the cast included Julie Lloyd, who had co-written and produced the show, Bill Calvert, Karen Shaw, Beverley Rupar and Holly Rupar as Priscilla the Goose.

In addition, there were several Furness children singing and dancing in the chorus.

Also in December 1997 the pantomime Cinderella was put on by staff and residents of the Croft Centre, at Hawcoat Lane, Barrow, for residents and relatives

Dennis Harrison was Cinders, while the ugly sisters were played by Christine Roper and Dot Nicholson.

Just a few weeks earlier in 1997, Millom Amateur Operatic Society had also got into pantomime mode.

It staged the classic Dick Whittington at Millom Palladium.

The story is meant to be based on the real-life Richard Whittington, who lived circa 13541423.

Folklore has it that Whittington made a fortune by selling his cat to a rat-infested county, eventually becoming a wealthy merchant and Lord Mayor of London.

The show was produced by Lynne McQuire and featured Karen Pugh in the title role.