Goldilocks a Family Pantomime

Described as Goldilocks a Family Pantomime and indeed, this production was suitable for the whole family. This was my second visit to Magna, but my first pantomime performed by this lovely group of welcoming people.

Written and directed by Betty Morris who was the worthy recipient of a recent NODA special award, the production contained many traditional elements of pantomime. It was great to see a display in the community hall of previous NODA awards which Magna are proud to hold.  

On arriving at the hall, the extended stage had some well painted flats on display before the opening of an enjoyable evening. The scenery throughout the show was effective.

The performance opened with Queen BEElinda nicely played throughout the evening by Hilary Jones. We briefly see three grumpy bears but fortunately they are replaced by Bertram Bear (Daddy bear) played by Josh Cox, Bertha Bear (Mummy Bear) played by Nikki Ellis- Thompson and Blossom Bear (Baby Bear) played by Alana Hulatt. All three were great working together and believable (if one can say that of three bears!).

A superb and confident performance was given by Meg Boardman as Jacki who helped save the day in this pantomime.

Enter our baddies (well one really and his side kick), namely Christopher Crunch (David Jones) and his brother Colin (Paul Oliver). Christopher – a farmer, was determined to obtain the recipe from the three bears for their well-known porridge. Colin on the other hand simply fell in love with every female he encountered (including the dame) with the sound of ‘I Will Always Love You’ playing in the background – a good running gag. Both played their parts well and I really enjoyed both the baddie element and the turn around in their characters.

The title character – Goldilocks along with Blondilocks were not necessarily who you would expect in this tale – most certainly not the butter wouldn’t melt characters. I did however like this interpretation by Lizzie Whent and Eva Craddock – well done both.

The dame was played to its fullest by Gareth Thompson as Ivy P Berry, with some good comic scenes especially the rendition of ‘I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today’ from Avenue Q.

Previous reviews have referred to Alan the Horse and in previous years this talented ‘actor’ has played, to my knowledge, the role of a sheep and a dog. This year Alan returned as Daisy. The question therefore must be – will Alan return next year?

The songs in the show were well done throughout. I did like the rendition of ‘A Little Bit Naughty’ from the musical Matilda. The choreography was good, for me the two highlights involved the younger members of the cast. One in act one and another in act two. Well done therefore in act one to Mia Micallef (Blue), Amelia Pietraszewska (Purple / Witch Wendy) with Goldilocks and Blondilocks. In act two in a wonderful robotic scene which involved similar dancers plus Jacki.

Other characters were either played as double ups or by Ruby Baldwin, Holly Adamson, Lexi Myers, Amy Yemm and Rowan Thompson. Some nice performances here also.

Well done to all involved. I hope to see all at Magna time and time again in the future.

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