The nation has been embroiled in theatre-gate this week after riot police were called to The Bodyguard in Manchester when audience members allegedly became unruly. The incident, as you no doubt have seen, has caused an onslaught of debate over whether singing during musical performances should be permitted.
For Mother Goose at Bristol Hippodrome, any apprehension of unwanted, shouty spectators was redundant and audience participation was actively encouraged. The production starring prolific actor Sir Ian McKellen and comedian John Bishop breaks the convention that pantomimes are just for Christmas through a modern reimagining of Charles Perrault’s fairy tale from the 18th century.
Sadly, McKellen was not joined by his on-stage husband, Bishop, who had to take compassionate leave for two performances. His understudy Gabriel Fleary, the Holby City and RSC actor, comfortably stepped into his shoes for Wednesday (April 12) night's performance, appearing at the beginning to explain the change in cast.
Read more: Comedian Michael McIntyre announces Bristol shows as part of world tour
Writer Jonathan Harvey's retelling of Mother Goose sees the titular character (McKellen) and her husband Vic (Fleary) run an animal sanctuary for outcasts living inside an abandoned Debenhams building, one of the pantomime's many cultural references to recent history. Mother Goose is behind on her energy bills and the entire sanctuary is at risk of closure signposted by the arrival of Jill (Simbi Akande) from 'the energy company'.
Early on, the family is saved by Cilla Quack (Anna-Jane Casey), a goose that lays golden eggs. In true panto fashion, the sanctuary's good fortune runs out when Mother Goose becomes infatuated with wealth and fame.
Mother Goose and Vic's son, Jack (Oscar Conlon Morrey), proved to be one of the leading characters with the ability to rile up the audience. His sketch cake baking in the kitchen was slapstick comedy at its finest, although wildly separate from the narrative and perhaps a testament to director Cal McCrystal's knowledge of physical comedy (he worked as a physical comedy consultant on the Paddington films). This kitchen scene was also one of the numerous elaborate sets from designer, Liz Ascroft.
Harvey captured the zeitgeist of Tory Britain perfectly in a script littered with political jibes as well as the compulsory double entendres and countless quips, with McKellen taking a swipe at Hollywood film flop, Cats. I lost count of how many gags there were criticising the years of Tory leadership, with references to partygate, Liz Truss' premiership and Boris Johnson, who was depicted as a pig.
The storyline is overwhelmed with pantomime tropes of magic, fairies and romance that makes it convoluted at times but is filled with moments of brilliance and an abundance of songs. In particular, Cilla Quack thrilled with a rendition of 'Rain on My Parade' as well as a disturbing yet hilarious portrayal of Camilla Parker-Bowles (Genevieve Nicole) singing Abba.
Most of all, McKellen was no holds barred as pantomime dame and proved his dexterity as a stage actor in a career spanning 60 years. Donning lipstick, heels and a myriad of costumes, the audience lapped up any mention of Lord of the Rings and he reeled off Shakespeare's 'the quality of mercy' speech from The Merchant of Venice without a flinch.
Fleary joked: 'You wouldn't get that from Christopher Biggins'. His Lancashire accent dropped in parts, which added to the charm; his ability to dart between camp, pantomime dame to Shakespeare thespian was mesmerising.
These final shows in Bristol (at Bristol Hippodrome until April 16) mark the end of a triumphant UK tour that dared to bring the pantomime out of the confines of Christmas. The cast and crew behind Mother Goose have proved this can be done on epic proportions.
Mother Goose is at Bristol Hippodrome until Sunday, April 16. St Augustine’s Parade Bristol BS1 4UZ. The show is 2 hours 35 minutes including an interval, suitable for ages 3 and above. Tickets are available online.
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James Acaster and Ed Gamble's Off Menu podcast coming to Bristol in first-ever live tour
Paul O'Grady: Update on Bristol show after TV legend's sudden death
Sister Act at Bristol Hippodrome was 'hilarious, heartwarming and wonderfully camp'
Former Strictly star announced in cast for Shrek the Musical at Bristol Hippodrome
