Ian Waller takes a trip to London to enjoy a preview of a stunning panto starring Ian McKellan and John Bishop
Wow, wow, wow! Book your tickets now because Mother Goose is coming to the Bristol Hippodrome and you will not want to miss this perfect pantomime!
Starring Sir Ian McKellen as Mother Goose and John Bishop as Vic Goose, the show arrives at The Bristol Hippodrome from Wed 12 and runs until Sun 16 April 2023. Quite simply, it is panto perfection, taking this most silly of British traditions and turning the fun factor up as high as it can go!
Throughout the performances are superb, and we’re not just talking about the grandest of Grand Dame’s, Sir Ian himself, but right across the board, with every cast member just a joy to see. And this is what is at the core of this production’s success – there is just not a single weak spot, from the costumes to the sets, the songs and the jokes, even a certain sketch with a ghost in the woods that Bath panto regulars will know well.
Of course, front and centre is Sir Ian of Hollywood, Coronation Street and all the great stages and theatrical parts over the last how ever many decades. And yes, he is just superb as Mother Goose herself, the sprightliest, silliest 83 year old you’re ever going to encounter and clearly ready to give any pantomime dame a run for her money.
The double entendres are saucy and liberally sprinkled in a way that only pantos can get away with, and at the centre of so much of it is Sir Ian himself, gurning and grinning through his liberally applied lipstick and eye liner with aplomb. The photos of him posing with stars including Kim Kardashian, Elon Musk and Prince Harry are worth the ticket cost alone!
Add in a little bit of Shakespeare, a smattering of Lord of the Rings, and you’ve got an unforgettable, unbeatable performance.
Sir Ian’s primary partner in crime is comedian John Bishop, on stage husband Vic Goose and just a perfect foil. Bishop plays the long-suffering fool perfectly, and apparently loving every minute. Whether setting the scene for the entertainment right at the start, leading a good old sing-along midway through or indulging in a full-face snog with Sir Ian, he’s spot on at every turn.
As, indeed, is the whole cast, from the menopausal goose to the slightly seedy bat and the duelling fairies, not to mention a Puss in Boots with attitude, a Glaswegian monkey and even a guest appearance from Camilla!
Mix in hilarious set pieces, more double entendres than you can shake a bishop’s stick at, audience participation at every turn and great music too and, well, yes, I just loved it – as did the sell out crowd.
So quite simply, book your tickets and look forward a great night of family fun!
Mother Goose run at the Bristol Hippodrome from 12-16 April. For more details and to book tickets, click here.