Cracking Mother Goose
Pantomime finally came to the Theatre Royal Brighton this year in the form of Mother Goose, led by the iconic Sir Ian McKellen and comedian John Bishop and for those lucky enough to have managed to bag a ticket to the sell out run, it was nothing short of a privilege to sit in the audience.
Playing the title role of Mother Goose is of course Sir Ian McKellen, who joined by her on stage husband Vic Goose (John Bishop). Running an Animal Sanctuary for waifs and strays, they live a wholesome life inside an abandoned Debenhams. But when a magical goose (Anna-Jane Casey) comes a-knocking, fame & fortune gets the better of Mother Goose and hilarious adventures ensue.
From the genius imaginations of Jonathan Harvey (Coronation Street, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme) and Cal McCrystal (‘Britain’s funniest director’ Guardian) this is the mother of all pantos. The script feels almost like Sir Ian has given his on-stage bucket list and this production ticks every single item. Tap dancing, lavish gowns, innuendos for days, becoming a Spice Girl, sharing a bed with John Bishop and numerous fabulous moments reminiscent of Gypsy Rose Lee and Norma Desmond. And its not just Sir Ian who is indulged, the audience are given everything they hope for from arguably Britain’s most famous actor. Yes of course there’s a barrage of the usual panto must-haves, but they’ve also thrown in Shakespearean recitals and Orc sightings for good measure!
John Bishop is an absolute delight. Adding the ‘ahhhh’ factor to compliment Sir Ian’s ‘ooh’ factor, John is hilarious in his Dick Van Dyke-esque role. His comic timing, coupled with both an hysterical and highly topical script is the making of an award-winning performance.
Add to two knock-out performances a highly talented cast of seasoned west end stars, fairies with hefty vocal chords, elaborate costumes, a third wall that is abolished in the first few seconds, spangled scenery, puppets with tap dance qualifications and impeccably constructed mayhem, and you have all the ingredients for the ultimate pantomime and perfect post-covid tonic!
The great news is that although the run has finished in Brighton, this is a touring production that moves to London’s Duke of York Theatre on 15th December and then returns back to Sussex at the Chichester Festival Theatre from 7th -11th February ’23.
Don’t be a goose – go get those tickets before everyone else does!
Tickets can be purchased here: www.mothergooseshow.co.uk