Berwick will be back in pantomime again this Christmas, it was confirmed today (Wednesday)
The most legendary dame in theatreland, Berwick Kaler has been entertaining generations of York audiences – and he will will star in The Adventures Of Granny Goose at the Grand Opera House from 10 December to 8 January.
And Berwick will be joined by at least two of his popular panto gang. Dastardly David Leonard will return as the villain, alongside Brummie funnyman AJ Powell.
There’s no word yet on two of the other audience favourites. Neither Martin Barrass, Berwick’s long-term sidekick, or principal boy Suzy Cooper have been confirmed.
Further casting announcements are expected.
It will be the second time the Berwick “juggernaut of laughter” will have parked at the Grand Opera House, after leaving the Theatre Royal after four decades.
And the theatre has a new partner. While last year’s hit show Dick Turpin Rides Again was produced in conjunction with the Crossroads panto company, The Adventures Of Granny Goose is brought to York by UK Productions.
It has been producing Christmas pantomimes across the UK for nearly 30 years. During the 2022/23 season they will produce 11 pantomimes of their own and provide productions to approximately another 30 nationwide.
Berwick said: “I can’t wait to welcome me babbies and bairns back to the Grand Opera House.
“But be warned – I’m under the not unreasonable delusion that I’m far too young to play a granny! So brace yourself to expect the unexpected.”
Producer Martin Dodd said: “It is truly a privilege to be working with the legendary Berwick Kaler and his co-stars, including the deliciously devilish David Leonard and the lovely Brummie AJ Powell.
“I really am excited to be presenting this fabulously unique and much-loved pantomime that is as much a part of the York Christmas tradition as Turkey (or Goose!) and stuffing. We can promise a cracking good show full of laughter, music, and mayhem”.
Tickets, starting at £13, go on sale next Wednesday, 13 April. Priority TheatreCard members can get theirs from Monday (11 April).