PANTO legend Berwick Kaler and his madcap gang have started rehearsals for York Theatre Royal's Christmas show, Old Mother Goose.

The cast includes everyone's favourite baddie David Leonard, who returns to the pantomime playing the evil Dreaded Lurgi after wowing West End audiences as Miss Trunchbull in the smash hit musical Matilda.

As well as directing and writing, Berwick - Britain’s longest-serving Dame - will also be appearing as Old Mother Goose, joined by regular favourites Martin Barrass as her son and principal girl Suzy Cooper as her daughter.

Berwick said he considered Old Mother Goose to be the 'mother of all pantomimes', which was 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," he said, promising 'madness, a touch of anarchy, surrealism, good old fashioned belly laughs and brand new visually stunning sets and costumes.'

The panto, which will be the last production at the theatre before a £4.1 million, eight month redevelopment, starts on Thursday December 11 and runs until Saturday January 31, 2015.