We first see John Bishop on stage, out of costume, who comes on to give us a rundown of how the evening will unfold.  We are told a little Pantomime history about how the good fairy always enters on the left side of the stage (as you look at it) and the bad fairy always enters on the right side.  We are told when to shout out, who to boo and who to clap.  As a seasoned stand-up comic, John Bishop is a complete professional and instantly has the audience laughing.

The Pantomime starts and instantly draws you in with an incredible cast of animals, all looked after by Mother Goose (Ian McKellen) at the local vacant Debenhams store.  A particular stand out for me was Bat (Richard Leeming) whose comic timing was absolutely spot on.  Each animal had their own back story and bought wonderful energy throughout.  We also meet Jack, played magnificently by Oscar Conlon-Morrey.  Another performer with exquisite comic timing, Oscar shines off the stage playing the slightly dim Jack.  The rapport between McKellen & Bishop, as his on stage parents was fabulous with many moments where real laughs could be seen on their faces during their many routines together, especially the baking of a cake where hilarity was in full force.