She prefers to use the phrase 'take a break' because that doesn't rule out the possibility of a comeback. But you get the impression that Doreen feels the time is right to hand over the reins, to give new blood a chance.
She explained: "I'd like to step down after this year and let somebody else have ago. I'm sure there are people in the wings who are chomping at the bit. I said I wanted to go out on Mother Goose because it's a panto I've always wanted to do", she says. In choosing Mother Goose, she concedes the society has picked a show that isn't as popular as Cinderella or Dick Whittington, but says it's just as good.
Most people know what to expect in more widely performed pantos, but I for one, don't know the story of Mother Goose What's its all about, then?
" It's about somebody who wants to be beautiful and they'll do anything to achieve that," Doreen explains. "She wants to get married again. She's been left and she's a widow. She wants a fella and she'll do anything to get one. The demon offers her beauty but it comes at a price and she doesn't know what the price is."
Performing in a converted sports hall means the group is restricted in terms of how sophisticated the special effects can be, but there are a few surprises to keep the audience entertained. The goose that helps our heroine to achieve her dream promises to be one of the stars of the show. Doreen thinks the bird will be a big hit, especially with the children.
"We've got a lovely goose that closes its eyes and its beak opens. Its feathers flap and I think it's something the kiddies will warm to. It is a really nice one," she says.
Rick Bowen
The society deserves a huge pat on the back for the sheer professionalism of this production and may I thank the director Doreen Cockshott for keeping the bad jokes to a minimum. Doreen is stepping aside to give someone else a go at producing UMT's Panto. Whoever gets the job has a very tough act to follow - this lady has left a daunting legacy indeed.
The role of Mother Goose was adeptly played by John Walker, a man so at home with comedy he was probably born with a smile on his face. James Darsley was excellent as the lovable, lily livered Bobby and was there a man in the audience who didn't secretly fall in love with Jill, played by Elizabeth Blackley. Not just a pretty face but a very pleasing singing voice,too.
But the best scene came courtesy of Gareth Jones and Aidan Kielty, who, as clown figures Botchitt and Billitt, did serious damage to the reputation of painters and decorators everywhere in a good, old fashioned slapstick routine.
Anyone who can dance on the cramped sports hall stage in Urmston Sports Centre deserves praise. Anyone who candance on that stage and make it look good deserves a medal. Choreographer Julie Broadbent certainly brought the best out of her charges. What consistently impresses me about this company is the way it handles its youngest performers. Even the smallest kids couldn't wait to show us what they were made of.
The only low point was the turn out. The Poolside Theatre - it's next to a swimming pool strangely enough - was half empty on opening night. Or half full depending on your point of view. I know the weather was dreadful but, after all the work that had obviously gone into this show, the least the society deserved was a few more bums on seats.
When a theatre company folds due to lack of public interest - and I hasten to note that UMT is in no danger of that at present - it is often the very people who never supported it who bemoan its demise the loudest.
This was a production to be proud of. Those of you who stayed away don't know what you missed.
Rick Bowen
Once again the comedy was in the safe hands of John Walker as Mother Goose. There was notable stage presence from James Darsley as Bobby.
Margaret Johnson as Pinkety Poppitt and Steve McGillivray, the Demon Despot, gave assured performances. The rest of the cast provided plenty of drive and the band were on good form. Sets were simple and there was more singing and dancing than routines but lots of charm, leaving the audience full of festive cheer.
John Flay