I found it hard to imagine a renowned Shakespearean actor playing a pantomime dame opposite the Liverpudlian comedian, John Bishop, but in this particular pantomime that is exactly what happens as Ian McKellen takes to the stage as Mother Goose, the respected guardian of a menagerie of orphaned animal waifs and strays living together in the cold, dark and abandoned high street Debenhams store. Dark, due to the lights being switched off because of sky high energy prices.

Whilst billed as a pantomime, this show is far from traditional. From the moment the curtain rises, the audience is presented with a relevant and serious social commentary on current affairs. There are frequent political jibes, namechecking of various Conservative MPs and perhaps more memorably, a puppet pig with the hair and voice similar to that of Boris Johnson, lurching out of a kitchen cabinet in search of a birthday party. The show is littered with adult themed innuendos and whilst there is some slapstick, this isn’t really a show for children.

However, it is pure brilliance from beginning to end. Jonathan Harvey’s script is very clever and witty, the cast, who are all well able to belt out a tune or two, are supported by an excellent band with the music choices selected from popular musical theatre, and of course not forgetting the fabulous costumes and choreography all combine to create a great evening’s entertainment. I mean, who knew that Ian McKellen could tap dance?

In their own ways, both McKellen as Mother Goose and Bishop as her devoted husband are quickly able to establish that all important audience rapport. They are the perfect partnership possessing a special chemistry usually only found in long established tried and tested double acts. Their timing is perfect, the comedian focusses on a deadpan delivery which leaves the way clear for McKellen, usually known as a serious actor, to deliver the gags, which he does to great effect. He even presents a fake Oscar to his erstwhile husband for trying so hard to be a ‘proper actor’.

The remainder of the cast also impress. Oscar Conlon-Morrey plays a great part as their ‘academically challenged’ son, Jack, with his permanent smile and amazing energy. There is a hilarious family baking scene with the three of them which is very clever and necessarily demands split second timing as eggs fly around the stage and beyond. Simbi Akande looks pretty as his intended fiancée, Jill. Meanwhile, Genevieve Nicole impresses in a hilarious ‘Camilla’ send-up portrayal. Sharon Ballard and Karen Mavundukure develop their characters as the respective good and wicked fairies and both possess fabulous singing voices.

Anna-Jane Casey (Cilla Quack) is amazing as she enters the stage and drops down into a full split! (Cilla Quack being the perimenopausal croc wearing goose who lays the golden eggs).

The ensemble of animals are imaginatively clothed and along with the well-designed puppets add to the enjoyment of this fabulous show.

There are too many hilarious scenes to describe here so if you fancy a great evening’s entertainment with lots of enthusiastic audience participation this show is an absolute must see.