BERWICK Kaler is on brilliant form as the UK’s long-serving pantomime dame, David Leonard is back as the baddie (I should really boo him but his return merits a big hurray) and the rest of the regulars – Suzy Cooper, Martin Barrass and AJ Powell – and a few newcomers are on hand to ensure that this Old Mother Goose is well worth a gander.

Forget the plot - mainly because there isn’t one to remember - and just enjoy the succession of set pieces carefully crafted by writer, star and co-director Kaler and co-director Damian Cruden.

Kaler flies in as OMG, utters the immortal line “me babbies and me bairns” and never lets up. York Theatre Royal’s panto – traditional with a twist, and harking back to variety shows – is like no other. Where else would you find the cast singing Tingly Bottom to the tune of Mamma Mia (try it yourself, it works). Or York’s Lord Mayor telling the audience “I believe in fairies” and TV’s Harry Gration channelling John Travolta in a Grease-y filmed rendition of Those York City Knights with Kaler as his Olivia-Newton John.

Leonard’s particular brand of cackling, hip-swivelling villainy has been missed in the two years he’s been absent while starring in the West End in Matilda – the name the golden egg-laying goose is given in this show. Barrass is unembarrassed to sing the exceedingly silly Carrot Song, while Cooper does a mean impression of the Dame himself at one point.

Kaler ensures that everyone, including the dancers, get their moment in the spotlight on the marvellous sets and costumes (take a bow, Phil R Daniels and Charles Cusick Smith). But above all, this is a show that needs to be experienced rather than read about.

Runs until Jan 31. Box Office: 01904-623568 or yorktheatreroyal.co.uk