Mother Goose – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Writer: Jonathan Harvey

Director: Cal McCrystal

Mother Gooseis quite a rarely performed pantomime, primarily because the story isn’t well known. There has been no Disney film adaptation. It’s not often a book read to children. However, what makes it unique for a pantomime is that the Dame is the central character. Thus it makes for the perfect title for Ian McKellen to return to panto for the first time in 18 years. After a Christmas run in the West End, the show is now touring the UK until Easter.

Mother Gooseis tells the story of Caroline and Vic Goose who get gifted Cilla, a goose who lays golden eggs. As the story progresses, we see what wealth can do to a person and how money doesn’t always bring happiness. Jonathan Harvey’s script is funny and packed full of topical references, including political ones, as well as jokes making fun of the show’s stars’ careers. However, despite Harvey’s extensive theatrical writing career one can tell he is relatively new to pantomime. The gags that appear, for the most part, are funny, however they’re not all weaved into the storyline as the seamlessly as they might do in an annual local pantomime. What Harvey does do however is add a healthy dose of heart into this production, which is something that often isn’t seen in some of the bigger and more commercial pantomimes.

Cal McCrystal directs the production and allows enough space for the stars to do what the audience is there to see them do, whilst not letting any scene drag on for too long. It was also refreshing to see an ensemble where each performer has a unique character, rather than just being stereotypical villagers. This adds to the emotional punch that the show packs. Liz Ascroft’s set design is slightly less colourful than one sees in many pantomimes but it’s costumes are beautifully creative. This is not a show that has very much visual spectacle but this is a good thing. It focuses on the characters and the art of theatre and doesn’t rely on too many whizzes and bangs.

The cast does an outstanding job with this material. It is an honour to see Ian McKellen play pantomime dame in regional theatres. His stage presence is outstanding, he is funny whilst his performance also tugs at the heart strings a little and his clear love of theatre is infectious. John Bishop plays Vic Goose opposite McKellen’s Caroline (no prizes for guessing what the song sheet might be…). Bishop has the audience in the palm of his hands from the off. Despite him being a stand up comedian before an actor, his performance is still heartfelt and he and McKellen have an excellent rapport. Neither McKellen nor Bishop are the most musically gifted in the cast but that is more than made up for with the rest of the cast.

Anna-Jane Casey plays Cilla the goose. She is the true definition of a triple threat. She is a powerhouse vocalist, a sensational dancer and has immaculate comic timing. Her stage time isn’t huge but she makes the most of every second she’s on stage. Oscar Conlon-Morrey as Jack is exactly what every panto needs. It’s a shame he doesn’t get more opportunities to interact with the audience, but he performs the slapstick scenes effortlessly. The ghost gag routine doesn’t quite land like it should do, but Conlon-Morrey does his best to carry it and keep it moving. Opposite him is Simbi Akande as Jill – quite a different principal girl but the character goes a journey and has changed by the time we get to the end of the show – this is refreshing to see. Akande’s vocals are also very strong, and has a great chemistry with Conlon-Morrey.

Completing the principal cast are Sharon Ballard as Encanta the Good Fairy and Karen Mavundukure as Malignia the Bad Fairy. They bounce off each other brilliantly and both have amazing vocals. Ballard particularly blows the roof off with her rendition of River Deep Mountain High.

The cast is completed by a tremendous ensemble with highlight performances coming from Richard Leeming as the Bat and Adam Brown as the King of Gooseland. Both get an abundance of laughs throughout the show.

WhilstMother Goosedoesn’t necessarily hit all the beats you might expect a traditional pantomime to hit, it is a fun night out. It is probably more tailored towards an adult audience and the number of children in the audience wasn’t huge (but there were a good number of them). Despite it’s shortcomings, the opportunity to see Ian McKellen, John Bishop and a host of West End legends on the local stage is one that should not be missed.

Runs until 18th February 2023, before continuing on tour.