Mother Goose, which flies into Wolverhampton Grand Theatre this week, is proving that panto is not just for Christmas. Premiered at Theatre Royal Brighton in December and then enjoying a West End run through the festive season, the show is now touring the UK with dates currently announced up to mid-April.

It may seem a curious decision to tour a pantomime but, after watching the show at the Grand and the audience response, it does make you wonder ‘and why not?’

Featuring all the usual puns, there are the ‘it’s behind yous’, ‘oh no I didn’ts’ and at least one pie in the face, the show, written by Jonathan Harvey, draws very strongly on panto tradition. But it’s interesting that it is tagged as a ‘show’ rather than a ‘pantomime’, possibly to ensure its longevity.

The golden goose which just keeps laying in this production is without a doubt Sir Ian McKellen as the Dame Mother Goose. Audiences may be more used to seeing Sir Ian dressed in wizard garb as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings or quoting The Bard with the Royal Shakespeare Company, but the 83-year-actor didn’t become a national treasure for nothing and he has embraced this latest role with gusto.

He layers on the caricature, delivering all the double-entendres with a knowing eye to the audience, waddling in his padded and spectacular costumes and giving cheek to all. And yet he also brings a touch of pathos to the role in a plot which sees him having to balance happiness at home with the temptations of fame.

John Bishop may be more used to standing on stage alone throwing out the gags but he is more than adept as Mother Goose’s husband Vic. Coming on stage at the beginning to explain a few rules of panto, he immediately wins over the hearts of the audience and retains that fondness throughout.

Next to the flamboyant McKellen, Bishop’s performance, and his costumes, are understated but laced with warm humour, affection and an understanding of how to keep the audience waiting for the next line.

The show may be promoted on the names of the two well-known faces but the stage is packed full of talent. Fresh from playing Fraulein Kost in Cabaret, Anne-Jane Casey gives her all to the role of Cilla the goose and her performance of Don’t Rain on My Parade is absolutely show-stopping.

Oscar Conlon-Morrey is hilarious as the Goose’s son Jack while Wolverhampton actress Simbi Akande returns to the theatre where she first enjoyed watching shows as Jill, initially the panto baddie who threatens the Gooses with eviction but then the hero pilot who saves the day.

Directed by Cal McCrystal, the show depends more on its lead roles than big song and dance numbers or special effects so that in many ways this ‘show’ is more of a traditional ‘panto’ than many we see on stage these days. It may be spring but there’s no reason not to enjoy panto all year round.

4 stars

Reviewed by Diane Parkes Wednesday 22 February. The production plays at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Sunday 26 February.