Mother Goose At The Lyceum, Sheffield Review

Reviewed by Joy Wright

This week Mother Goose is at The Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield with a pair of headline acts to rule them all – Sir Ian McKellan and John Bishop.

In keeping with the ancient history of pantomime this is a classic and entertaining show that offers something for everyone. Woven through the traditional story you’ll find a range of witty one-liners, clever puns, and silly jokes that will have audiences of all ages laughing. And then there’s the risque, eyebrow raising adult humour which rises high above the heads of the younger audience members. All impeccably delivered by the fabulous Sir Ian McKellan and with John Bishop as a brilliant foil, providing more dry witticisms and observations about politics, humour, panto itself and of course the obligatory local jokes.

The show opens with the traditional call-and-response and this sets the tone for the evening as they deliver on all of the panto traditions, sweets in the audience which delight the kids, a sing-a-long number, audience participation, classic songs – sometimes with new and silly lyrics and much more besides.

There’s an exuberant and multitalented cast bringing a lively array of characters, the two fairies – there were a few gags about that – bringing good and evil into balance via a selection of belting songs. The curious selection of animals in Mother Goose’s menagerie of waifs and strays sing and dance to every number and add a few extra comedy moments along the way.

For kids Mother Goose is a fun-filled adventure that takes audiences on a journey filled with laughter, music, and magic. For adults one of the great things about this pantomime is the humour concentrated around the celebrities involved and the pop culture around them. I loved the Lord Of The Rings gags and the pokes at John Bishop. The audience is also treated to a little Shakespeare delivered by Ian McKellan, a classically trained actor who has been delivering the Bard’s lines longer than I’ve been alive. I’ll never get to see him play a Shakespearean roles I imagine, so it was lovely to have that few minutes to see him – and the audience fell silent when he did. All that along with the usual political humour which frankly has created an endless wealth of material in recent months and years. There seemed to be a few unexpected moments on stage this evening which amused the cast hugely and the audience even more. I’m sure there will be more to come simply because of the rapid -fire pace of the show.

Mother Goose pantomime also offers some great musical numbers. The songs are catchy, fun, and full of energy, making it impossible not to tap your feet and sing along. There’s a smashing traditional set design along with stunning costumes, the Dame’s frocks are dazzling of course.

The show transports audiences to a world of comedy fantasy and wonder. It is a cracking night out and a perfect show for families and friends to enjoy together.

As a half-term treat this is a great idea, there’s an array of shows night and day but tickets are limited.
The show runs Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th February, often twice a day: https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/mother-goose tickets range from £15.00 – £55.50.