Oh Yes He Is! Mother Goose, Bristol Hippodrome

Ian McKellen, Sir no less, aka Gandalf aka National Treasure aka speaker of the Bard … as you’ve never seen him before. A Pantomime Dame. And if you love shouting out, clapping along in time to the music or cheesy jokes — this is for you.

There was a terrific atmosphere as we were encouraged to shout and whoop along, though the sweet throwing into the audience favoured the front rows! Wearing an array of outrageous outfits, Sir Ian was Mother Goose, partnered by the energetic Gabriel Fleary, ably filling John Bishop’s shoes. Though he had the pressure of making the announcement that Sir Ian was not dead, but that sadly John Bishop could not be with us.

In a nice acerbic touch Mother Goose lobbed John Bishop’s DVD into the wings (undeserved), and had a lot of mirth causing everyone to corpse during the baking scene as the flour flew freely. Cue hiding behind aprons all round. It was lovely to see the cast vibing with each other so well — there were good and bad faeries, a golden egg laying goose, a chorus of dancing, singing animals including an energetic dancing, singing puppet cat; more animal puppets beside, a dog in a biscuit tin (it’s a puppet) and heaps of jokes, energy and scenes.

Bringing in topical jokes such as Boris Johnson and the energy company bills, Mother Goose encountered ethical dilemmas when offered the chance of ultimate fame and fortune. What will Sir Ian aka Dame Goose choose? (not to mention who?)

To see the channelling of Beyonce, My Fair Lady and the Dame Judi Dench Bench, as well as some fantastic Shakespeare and Orc relapses, you’ll have to watch it yourself. Oh yes you will! (Could have done without the creepy bat, but Jack ’n’ Jill and the sheer fun of the performance overcome this. It’s also a production which makes you work quite hard — tunes from Disco, Company, 42nd Street and more are covered, the range is amazing). Plus unexpected appearance from the King of Gooseland breaking the Fourth Wall and Queen Consort Camilla!!!