Panto Review - GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS - PEOPLE'S THEATRE - NEWCASTLE

Steve Robertson photo by John Brown

You might think Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a thin premise for a pantomime. It is, but with many lewd jokes, bad jokes, Dad jokes, dances, songs, general panto tropes and tricks, the People’s Theatre have created a full-blown theatrical extravaganza. Written by Tom Whalley, the story follows a family circus, trying to make ends meet to pay the rent. They end up enlisting the help of the three bears and all seems to be going well. However, when the evil Ringmaster Heinkel gets involved, things go badly wrong and the happy ending is in jeopardy.

 

Molly Winton (Goldilocks) & Chorus photo Jess Chapman

Director Pamela Birleson has created a production that forces merriment into every aspect. One of the greatest and strongest features of this production is its group dances, expertly choreographed by Julie Bowman. The dancers fill the stage with a diversity of movement and sparkle. Musical Director Jonathan Goodman has a good selection of fitting and fun songs to work with, which highlights the joy of the show. What truly makes the stage shine with delight are the Adult Ensemble, Babes and Children’s Chorus who were clearly enjoying every moment of their time on stage. The feeling was quite infectious! Speaking of infectious – Snot, played by Rachel Potts, had the audience going ‘aww’ for the poor side-kick. The evil Ringmaster Heinkel was played by Ian Willis with such malevolent intent he seemed to even hate the pantomime he was in! Fear not, because the harmonious Emily Jeffrey as Mystic Sharon is here to thwart his plans. With Sharon’s help, the joyful Bear family of Jonathan Goodman as Daddy Bear, Kaila Moyers as Mummy Bear and the very sweet Abbie Martin as Baby Bear, ensure that the show goes on. Eileen Davidson as Colossus and Stewart Dives as Mystical Keith will have you chuckling as they show their acts. Mike Smith brings a lot of strength of character to the role of Baron Wasteland. Molly Winton is a delight as the loveable Goldilocks, who charms us all. Steve Robertson is the bawdy Dame Gertie Dollop, bringing mirth and delivering questionable jokes with flair. Callum Mawston is a comedic tour de force as the hilarious and well-meaning Silly Billy. This show could get laughter from a stone.

 

Ian Willis (Heinkel) & dancers photo Jess Chapman

There were times the show suffered from a few sound issues, leading to odd noises or talented singers sounding a little flat. However, in such a big production with so many different threads being twisted together, there was bound to be the odd hiccup on opening night. Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a great night of fun for all ages with plenty of jokes to make you chuckle. Get down to the People’s Theatre before you miss a truly great Pantomime.

 

Goldilocks and the Three Bears is showing at the People’s Theatre, 10^th - 18^th December!