Ian McKellen Brings the Old‑School Pantomime Charm Back to Britain
Veteran actor Ian McKellen is ditching the epic saga vibes of Lord of the Rings and stepping into the world of pantomime for the first time since his youth. For the 83‑year‑old, it’s all about ticking off a few jokes and a whole lot of heart.
Meet the Characters
- Ian McKellen as the show’s title: a courageous Mother Goose who’s half‑moth crushed up the abandoned Debenhams department store, now the home of a quirky animal sanctuary.
- John Bishop plays her love‑interest – a comedic “husband” armed with the same amount of mess‑up jokes as a carnival clown.
- Mel Giedroyc joins the cast as a goose with a super‑special gift that can change lives. Think less “party animal” and more “life‑altering oracle” – perfectly twisted for pantomime.
Why Pantomime? Why Now?
McKellen ain’t new to these “over‑the‑top” productions; heck, even the skeleton of a villager is a vibe. But doing it across Britain feels like closing the door on a long forgotten tradition. He said:
“It’s a risk,” McKellen laughed. “But tours existed before we had Netflix. We think winter is the best time for a good laugh.”
John Bishop nods to the idea that families need a break from the constant stream of “the crisis continuum” and a chance to hug a goose, even if it’s a prosthetic one.
Run Dates & Locations
- Premier show: Brighton, starting December 3.
- Moves to London from January to the end of the month – no empty seats, please.
- Tour schedule begins February, taking a swing to Dublin (for the grand finale) and then across the UK.
What’s the Pitch?
The core idea: “Our role is to offer an escape, a laugh, a little joy that keeps us all loyal to the same craft, the same stage life.” McKellen sees the pantomime’s fun chaos as “different, not better, not worse” than a Shakespearean tragedy – a delightful misbalance that even a forest spirit would enjoy.
In Quick Buzz
- McKellen’s first full‑scale pantomime in over 30 years.
- John Bishop’s a riot – “I get the giggles way faster than my coffee.”
- Mel Giedroyc’s goose plays the mystical role of hope and feathered freedom.
- Touring from Brighton to London, then around the UK and a final stop in Dublin.
- Audience insight: “Families need a gentle scoot out of the daily grind – a laugh a day saves the day.”
So grab a popcorn, pencil in the dates, and get ready to be sent back to the days when the only spoilers were the next line in the show. McKellen’s Mother Goose is a turtleneck spun in 1970’s blues, and the laughs are in no doubt guaranteed.
