Goldilocks and the the Three Bears

Sat on my sofa with a cuppa in my hand when the call out came. “I’m sick and need cover for a panto in Knaresborough” So a quick scoot from the dark side of Leeds to the stunningly picturesque town of Knaresborough and in no time I was sat in the beautiful little venue that is the Frazer Theatre. It was here where I was transported, with the help of The Knaresborough Players, to the circus, namely Dame Gertie Dollop’s Circus which was the backdrop to Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Written by Tom Whalley, this was a panto with a bit of difference as we didn’t have the usual wedding at the end and this made the story more interesting.  

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Upon entering the theatre we were greeted by all kinds of different circus acts, magic tricks and a not too hidden in the background circus lion. This was a clever way of bringing the audience immediately into the panto world. The interactions from the cast present was brilliant and the young and old alike lapped it up. Adorning the theatre were lights and flags to make you truly feel like you were sat at ring side awaiting the action. 

The Knaresborough Players had a great cast. Roger Hewitt as Baron Wasteland brought us a character that was initially hell bent on collecting his money, until and as the story develops, he shows his softer side, Roger was lovely to watch. 

Daddy Bear – Frankie Jackson, Mummy Bear – Jemma Bunting and Baby Bear – Doreen Driffield gave us great characters and lots to smile at. Frankie showed his tap dancing ability too.  

Jenny Velez-Colby was Mystic Sharon. Jenny was delightful in this quirky role and I loved the energy she brought to the “Oh So Quiet” number. 

Magical Keith and the Lion was Jocelyn Cook. As Keith he was hilarious with some excellent comic timing. 

Ringmaster Heinkel (bless you) was played with real menace and conviction by John Pearce. He was never out of character and he worked the audience well. Alongside him was his long suffering assistant Snot, Brandon Hancock. Brandon was super as the henchman being both creepy and sensitive in equal measure. 

Every good panto needs a Dame and Knaresborough have Mike Atkinson as Dame Gertie Dollop. Mike looked completely at ease with this demanding role squeezing every drop of humour out of the jokes to entertain both the kids and the adults.  

Goldilocks was delightful and I loved the more modern portrayal of the character as she was tough and could stand on her own two feet. Rose Velez-Corby made this part her own and was fabulous.  

Silly Billy, Emma Knill, was top drawer and I was so impressed by the way she managed to keep the energy high all the way through. The audience loved her. 

Supporting the main cast were a company which included Holly Shaw – Drummer, Lauren Taylor – Lion Tamer, Brenda Anderson – Snake Charmer, Sophie Knill – Illusionist, Marissa Lloyd – Dancer and Marie Chapman as Collossus. Marie was part of a real stand out moment where a harness was attached to her shoulders to elevate her in the air. What happened next was hilarious but I won’t spoil it here so go see for yourself. 

There was a troupe of dancers (Studio 3) which consisted of Tia May Byrne, Olivia Evans, Aurellia Fox, Evie Lomax, Annabelle Meesam, Lola Pearcy, Charlotte Tindley and Sophie Tindley. 4 performed per show and were delightful to watch never putting a foot wrong. 

This company has a real team spirit which is evident reading the Directors notes. The cast were involved in the set design, painting, costume making and generally bringing the magic to life.  

Its next to impossible to name everyone and give the correct amount of credit to the hard working individuals that make these dreams come true but I’ll give it a good go.  

Stage Manger Gavin Jones assisted by Geraldine Gordon, Costume design Alana Simms assisted by Lemoni Cook and Rae Joynson, wardrobe which included Brenda Anderson Kathryn Leigh and Viv Hall, Hair and Make Up Kathryn Leigh and Ella Daniels, Set matt Harvey, Geoff Ward, Rob Pearce, Mike Addison and Mike Graham, Props Margaret Wild, Alice Munday and Kenny Brown, Lighting Ness Brown Sian Pearce, Front of House Bernie and David Crosthwaite and Friends of Knaresborough Players.  

Many of the people named above had multiple roles and showed just what a family show this really was.  

Viv Hall was choreographer for Goldilocks and brought some sparkle to the stage in just the right amount. 

Musical Director was Helen Mills. Helen on the performance I attended assisted in some singing to aide a cast member who was a bit unwell. This never detracted from what was happening on stage. Helen got the best out of the cast and the singing was delightful. 

Produced by Sian Pearce and Directed by Dan Brown this was a slick, funny and entertaining afternoon on a horribly wet Sunday. The use of space was clever, the audience interaction was brilliant and the pre show entertainment was a great touch. Goldilocks and the Three Bears was a treat and I left feeling lucky to have seen this show because it proves that live theatre, that at its roots is for all to enjoy, is alive a well and living in Knaresborough. 

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