Goldilocks and the Three Bears

 

And so Christmas begins with our first pantomime of the season. And what an absolute delight it was – lots of smiling faces from the company, who were obviously enjoying themselves and this came across to the audience. It was a pleasure to make our first visit to Bramham Drama Group and although it was a cold wintery night outside it was full of sunshine in the village hall.  All performances were sold out and it’s easy to see why as the Group delivered a fine night’s entertainment with their production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. They really throw everything into their art and this performance, under the direction of Karen Haffenden, was full to overflowing with all that you would wish for from a pantomime.

Based on the Fairy Tale of the same name this version brings additional characters to the story  and has Goldilocks, played delightfully by Emma Argyle, her brother Barney and her mother Ma  Barnaby running a family circus whilst still retaining the theme of the cottage in the woods and the porridge, beds and chairs. There was also the hero and the villain, Antonio and Baron Von Trappen, played in true panto style by Caroline Jamieson and Claire Lister respectively.

Stewart Gibson, with his strong comedic presence, played the Dame, Ma Barnaby, exactly as it should be – a man obviously dressed up as a woman – my sort of Dame. Suze Shelbrooke portrayed the hapless  and not too bright brother Barney in fine style, and her interaction with the audience made them feel part of the show. Jenny Illingworth, as Mayor Zeedotes, Phoebe Eason, as his lovelorn daughter Penelope, Debbie Green, as Romany Rose, and Michelle Roberts and Emily Roberts as the useless henchmen Dunn and Dusted all contributed wonderfully to the story. Of course one cannot forget the Three Bears themselves in the shape of Roo Ivatts (Daddy), Yvonne Gibson (Mammy) and Francesca Longhawn (Baby) (Benjamin Black at other performances). I’ve seen the Bears portrayed many ways, from full fur fabric costumes to simple makeup but I loved the innovative way you dressed them and made them up. Original.

There was a small but effective chorus line-up with a delightful group of children who left us at the interval.

I was highly impressed with the quality of the sound and lighting through the show, which enhanced the overall production. Congratulations to the team involved – Jim Paterson, Trevor Rimington & Keith Robinson, with Sarah Macauley on follow spot.

The set was simple yet highly effective – the scene changes were slick and unobtrusive (where on earth did the interior of the Bears’ cottage come from? All credit to the Stage Manager, Margaret Gibbons, Russell Bean, who produced the set, and the rest of the team working backstage. Costumes were bright, colourful and suitably pantomime – I wouldn’t expect anything less if you’ve hired from Molly Limpets – all well coordinated by the costume team of Claire Lister, Fiona Moran, Rachel Martin and Eva Lindley.

Last but by no means least, well done to the production team who pulled it all together – Director, Karon Haffenden, Producer, Pat Rimington, Music, Jake Dalton, and Choreographer, Molly Mitchell.

Thanks for a wonderful evening's entertainment.

 

 

 

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