GOLDILOCKS

It was good to see Square Drama performing their annual pantomime again, after some problems with illness, unavailability of cast etc – but the enthusiasm on stage was infectious, so although the audience was small they joined in and had fun.  Two youngsters were particularly engaged with helping out with the maths questions!

I felt there were some places where the cast didn’t make the most of the script, which appeared to be a bit lacking in some areas, possibly because, as a story, Goldilocks isn’t the most thrilling and there was a lot of padding out!  

Lighting was good, making the most of new equipment, and the backdrops were imaginative.  Costumes were diverse, some were good – I particularly liked Dick Dastardly’s cream coloured suit, and Dame Trott had two colourful costumes and wigs, however some of the others needed a little more thought, as it seemed there were two separate shows costume-wise.

I liked the pre-recorded sung overtures, they got our attention, then Simple Simon appeared and immediately engaged the audience, working really hard throughout to ensure that engagement stayed the course.  It was good that musical numbers were sung to backing tracks using a piano, which kept in mind the singers ranges, however some performers were a bit pitchy.  More traditional numbers were used which suited the panto, but maybe in future some thought could be given for more up to date tunes.

Tammy Bradley (Simple Simon) exuded energy and enthusiasm from start to finish, very well done, with Christopher Fletcher (Dame Trott) giving us the essence of a traditional Dame. A good relationship.

Victoria Goode (Edwin) looked the part, and interacted well with Sarah Taylor-Warner (Goldilocks), a good couple.

I liked Malcolm Calvert (Dick Dastardly), he was suitably nasty, with his sidekick Leo Morawski (Igor) grinning evilly throughout – they created a fun pair.

Donna Fletcher (Marigold) was very ditzy, lots of fun in her scenes with Simple Simon.

Matthew Pritchard (The Forest Elf) appeared to be rather shy – no need, just open out and enjoy your time on stage – a good start.

The Bear Family – Rob Jones (Mister Bear), Bridget Calvert (Missus Bear) and Kieran Pritchard (Baby Bear) created a fun family with Kieran showing his panto experience again.

Malcolm Calvert (Uncle Polar) was a fun Welsh polar bear, nice take on the part, with Rose Taplin (Ghost of Anne Boleyn) completing the cast with energy – although I wasn’t sure what Anne Boleyn had to do with the tale!!!

My thanks to Square Drama for their hospitality – I know it was a production fraught with difficulties, and I didn’t think the script did them any favours as far as the storyline went, but overall I felt they made the most of their opportunities, and the audience had a good time.

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