The nation has been embroiled in theatre-gate this week after riot police were called to The Bodyguard in Manchester when audience members allegedly became unruly. The incident, as you no doubt have seen, has caused an onslaught of debate over whether singing during musical performances should be permitted.
For Mother Goose at Bristol Hippodrome, any apprehension of unwanted, shouty spectators was redundant and audience participation was actively encouraged. The production starring prolific actor Sir Ian McKellen and comedian John Bishop breaks the convention that pantomimes are just for Christmas through a modern reimagining of Charles Perrault’s fairy tale from the 18th century.
Sadly, McKellen was not joined by his on-stage husband, Bishop, who had to take compassionate leave for two performances. His understudy Gabriel Fleary, the Holby City and RSC actor, comfortably stepped into his shoes for Wednesday (April 12) night's performance, appearing at the beginning to explain the change in cast.
