REVIEW: Mother Goose at Wolverhampton Grand

The magic of pantomime never seems to fade - especially not when the new production of Mother Goose is hitting the road until April!

With a cast anchored by a knight of the realm, one of our best loved comics and some West End legends, the expectations I'd placed on this production were already egg-cedingly high! It's a show that so many people have been talking about in one way or another for a good few months - and one which is visiting only a handful of theatre's around the UK.

Wolverhampton already has a pedigree for this type of show. The Grand is a sterling venue for proper 'family' theatre, with an incredibly accessible feel from the moment you walk in. Undoubtedly this was a huge benefit for those bringing children to see a production which is in no way unsuitable for them, but is maybe a bit less 'traditional' than some panto's. Let me explain.

Mother Goose has a cast led by an icon of the genre - Sir Ian McKellen - who takes on the role of Mother Goose; effectively our pantomime dame. McKellen proves from the moment he walks onto the stage, why he is acting royalty. At 83 years young, he never puts a foot wrong, hitting every punch line with apparent ease and having no qualms sending himself up. We get camp, innuendo, amazing singing and more than just a nod to some of his previous work. With at least 2 Lord of the Rings references and a Shakespeare monologue, McKellen is in his element.

He's backed up by his 'husband', and the Wise to his Morecambe, John Bishop. Having already proven himself as one of the biggest comedians in the business, Bishop's ability to just 'get it' isn't lost on the audience. Although he's done some acting work, clearly his CV doesn't extend to the same level as some of his colleagues, but that also proves perfect fodder for a characterisation that he pulls off so brilliantly. 

Anna-Jane Casey also deserves an honourable mention for just being an absolute gem. Casey's list of credits would make any West End leading lady jealous and her dry Northern wit is just so beautifully matched to her co-stars deadpan responses. Watching Casey on stage is like the visual equivalent of that comfy pair of slippers. You have the absolute confidence that you're about to see something great - and Casey excels, especially in her rendition of Don't Rain On My Parade which was simply outstanding.

This show is an absolute gem in the cold February weather. It has every component you need, a stack more you really want and envelopes them all in a warm theatrical hug that has you leaving the theatre grinning from ear to ear.

Mother Goose plays at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday 26 February. For more information, or to get your tickets, head online to grandtheatre.co.uk.

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