Theatre Royal Brighton – until 11 December 2022 and then on tour
Reviewed by Sue Bradley
4****
Directed by Cal McCrystal (Paddington, One Man, The World’s End) written by Jonathan Harvey (Coronation Street, Call the Midwife). Six times Laurence Olivier Award-wining Ian McKellen and British Comedy Award-winning John Bishop star in this sell-out pantomime, originally written in 1902, with much of the action taking place in an animal sanctuary for waifs and strays. In true pantomime tradition, there are plenty of current social and political references, and so the animal sanctuary is placed within a closed-down Debenham’s, and there are plenty of references to ‘The Energy Company’, cast as a baddie.
There are also many comedic references to McKellen’ role as Gandalf in Lord of the Rings, and jokes about Bishop’s Liverpudlian accent, as well as audience participation and references to other productions (such as Les Miserables).
The social and political jokes provided plenty of laughs and enjoyment for the adults, as well as the usual bawdy humour familiar to pantomimes, although this is now skilfully updated for a modern audience.
The audience was a typical Brighton one, and although the majority were adults, goody bags had been provided beneath every chair with sweets and toys inside, which was a lovely touch.
The show was fast paced and included gags for both adults and children. Early on there was a food preparation sketch which reminded me of Bodger and Badger, as the participants ended up covered in food. There were some fine musical numbers, with some of the cast displaying excellent vocal and dance skills. Especially memorable were the Puss in Boots (played by Genevieve Nicole) and the Goat (Adam Brown), as well as the Goose (West End star Anna-Jane Casey, who sang a particularly fine number reminiscent of Barbara Streisand).
This pantomime managed to combine all the traditional elements of the genre with a modern interpretation of the traditional raunchy and smutty elements, making it a fun and inclusive show for everyone.