Anarchy, energy, colour and camp… all of the things you love about a traditional pantomime as Leicester’s Curve Theatre brings a smash-hit touring production of Mother Goose to the city, starring veteran actor Sir Ian McKellen and comedian John Bishop…

What’s good for the goose is good for the audience this month, as Leicester’s Curve Theatre brings a smash-hit production of Mother Goose, one of the most celebrated pantomimes, to the stage from 15th March.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the response we’ve had to the show already,” says writer Jonathan Harvey. He really shouldn’t have doubted the likelihood of its success, though. For a start, Jonathan has writing credits to his name including Coronation Street and Gimme Gimme Gimme (the 1991-2001 TV series starring Kathy Burke and James Dreyfus), so he’s no stranger to either drama or comedy with a strong sense of camp.

But when you add in a stellar cast of talent including lead actor Sir Ian McKellen and comedian John Bishop, the stage is set for a production that’s guaranteed to prove a golden goose for Curve Theatre this spring. “It’s silly, camp anarchic, everything you want from a pantomime,” says Jonathan, a Liverpudlian whose 1994 debut saw him launching not one but two shows on stage in the form of Beautiful Thing and Babies.”

“I was approached by the producers of Mother Goose – ATG Productions (Ambassador Theatre Group) – and asked to create the script and development. Sir Ian was already attached to the production subject to the script, and as there has already been many different versions of the story, we wanted to give it a fresh new relevance, and do something different, modern and interesting with the story.”

The new production debuted in Brighton in early December and will continue its run until April, touring the UK across 10 venues. Mother Goose is played by     Sir Ian McKellen, married to husband Vic, played by John Bishop. The two run an animal shelter in an abandoned branch of Debenhams, but feathers fly when the goose in question proves able to lay golden eggs. A rags to riches tale with more than a cautionary moral undertone ensues as fame and fortune get the better of the family.

“We’ve references to the energy crisis and cost of living crisis, so there’s an allegorical element to the story, but otherwise it’s traditional pantomime perfection,” says Jonathan. “Sir Ian has really brought the dynamic of the family’s relationship to life, and he’s a benevolent, warm and talented actor, a real force of good for a production.”

The Guardian has praised the production’s song and dance energy, whilst The Telegraph gave the show five stars and The Times has described it as ‘cheerfully chaotic.’

“We tend to associate pantomimes these days with the Christmas and new year period but traditionally pantomimes would have run through until Easter, and there’s definitely more than a reference or two to eggs, so we think it’s a great production for spring.”

“Underpinning the production, too, is a range of showtunes and musical numbers which are all well-known and which really help to keep the energy of the production alive. There are so many treats in the whole thing that it’s a definite feel-good show.”

Curve Theatre is renowned for its Made at Curve productions, with Wizard of Oz and Billy Elliot the Musical two recent successes on the part of Artistic Director Nikolai Foster and the team. “Curve has developed an international reputation for producing, programming and touring a bold and diverse programme of musicals, plays, new work, dance and opera,” say Nikolai. “We believe everyone who lives, works or learns in our city and beyond should have access to great art and culture.”

“Each year over 750,000 people engage with Curve through performances and projects at our home in Leicester, across the UK and internationally.”

The theatre is looking forward to presenting an inspiring spring programme with the semi-fictitious biopic based around the music of Bob Dylan – Girl from the North Country – a returning production of J B Priestley’s classic thriller An Inspector Calls and Jersey Boys, which goes behind the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. All are due to appear at Curve Theatre in March and April alone, ensuring the theatre is a must-visit venue this season.

Mother Goose will appear at Leicester’s Curve Theatre from Wednesday 15th to Sunday 19th March, 1pm, 2pm, 6pm, 7pm performances, tickets £10-£45.50 call 0116 242 3595 or see www.curveonline.co.uk.