PANTOMIME legend Berwick Kaler and his gang are back this Christmas for another year of madness and lunacy in York.

They will present the pantomime Old Mother Goose at York Theatre Royal from December 11 until January 31.

They promise a seasonal treat as someone very evil returns to cause havoc in the family show.

David Leonard is back, after wowing audiences in the West End playing Miss Trunchbull in the hit musical Matilda, to play the Dreaded Lurgi.

Good versus evil is put to the test when a good fairy and an evil demon fight for supremacy.

The bad demon claims any human being can be corrupted, so the good fairy throws down a challenge and chooses Old Mother Goose as an example of all that is good.

The demon sets off to prove the good fairy wrong.

A spokesman said: “So begins yet another classic panto ‘tale of the unexpected’, a tale to mystify your senses, a tale to tax anyone’s credulity, but above all a tale that will have the whole family enthralled in a world of laughter that never ceases.”

Berwick Kaler, Britain’s longest-serving dame, is again directing and writing the show, and will appear as Old Mother Goose.

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Joining the dame will be regular favourites Martin Barrass as her son, principal girl Suzy Cooper as her daughter and York’s favourite brummie AJ Powell in another role.

Berwick said: “I consider Old Mother Goose to be the mother of all pantomimes. It’s rarely seen these days, probably because no one can find a dame old enough to play the title role!

“However, thanks to a modern digital enhancing ageing process I can add 20 years to my youthful looks and you’ll believe I’m 70 years old.”

“As always, the panto, will have the York Theatre Royal’s traditional hallmark of madness, touch of anarchy, surrealism, good old fashioned belly laughs and brand new visually stunning sets and costumes.”

Visit yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or call 01904 623568 to book tickets.