Goldilocks and the Three Bears

As the Chair of Burley Theatre Group says in their programme “Welcome to our presentation of the classic story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, performed in our own particular pantomime style”. And that’s the beauty of Burley’s pantomimes – they DO have their own unique style. Most of the pantomime elements are all there but then they add something extra, be it harps, electric violins or ukeleles. And it works wonderfully! This is community theatre at its very best

This year’s pantomime, written in-house by Celia Fox, interweaves the familiar story of Goldilocks and her encounter with Three Bears, with the saving of Dottie Dazzle’s circus. It was clear from the reaction of the full house of cubs and rainbows how much the show was being enjoyed.

Leading the laughter was the stalwart of Burley Theatre Group, Kathy Jackman, as Riddles the Clown, so called because of the never ending supply of bad jokes, which were clearly enjoyed judging by the mixture of laughs and groans from the audience. Kathy had the audience on her side from the off. She also delivered some cracking vocals that must have had Noddy Holder looking over his shoulder.

The love interest of the pantomime was in the hands of newcomer, Stephanie Maston, as Goldilocks and the very experienced Lauren Varley, as Jimmy, the “gopher”. Lauren delivered her usual quality performance – both her acting and singing were top notch. She was well matched by Stephanie who, if this performance is anything to go by, will have a successful future in amateur theatre. Their duets were an absolute delight.

The circus owner, Dottie Dazzle, was clearly written as a traditional pantomime Dame but I’m well aware of the problems you had finding one. I wouldn’t have worried too much, another Burley regular, Amanda Clegg, made the part her own. As the loud, brash Glaswegian, she more than made up for not finding a Dame. Again strong acting and vocal skills.

A good pantomime always needs a goodie and a baddie and this was no exception. Perhaps, not a traditional “goodie” as such, Pam Leach took to the stage for a change. As Jewels, the fortune teller, she was the perfect opposite for our villain, Gregor Grabandi, played by John Wise. John, one of the founding members of Burley Theatre Group, elicited boos from the audience on every entrance and exit, so he must have been doing it right ! What more does a baddie want ?

Zachary White, as Lanky the stilt walker added height to the production – it would have been a nice touch to actually have him stilt walking? And also, welcome back to your junior chorus – it was nice to see them back after the Covid years.

And finally, Tony Clegg, as Boris the ringmaster, and musical director, extraordinaire.(not forgetting Tony’s co-Musical Director, Adrian Thomas) If there’s one single thing that makes Burley’s pantomime stand out from the rest it’s the music, both in terms of style and choice of songs. The songs ran the gamut of styles from Slade, ELO, the Beatles and Elton John. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a song at Burley that’s less than 30 years old – the song sheet was Rock Around the Clock”. And then, blow me, they did a song by Elbow as the finale. Please note – this is definitely NOT a criticism but very much a positive. And then the style – if you can imagine a pantomime performed in a folk club, you might get somewhere close. Tony, performing on guitar, from the stage was accompanied by Unity Ukes, a group of singers and ukulele players, to provide a fabulous acoustic accompaniment to the vocals. Loved it.

All the work on stage comes to nothing if it weren’t for the many unseen faces working tirelessly behind the scenes to get the show up and running. Some highly effective use of lighting enhanced the production, thanks to John Barker and George Peters, whilst every smack, crash and bang sound effect was timed to perfection, thanks to John and George again, with help from David Wallbank. Set building, painting and props were down to the team of Tony Clegg, John Barker, Andrew Horton and Laura Thompson.

As well as directing and appearing in the show, Pam Leach was also responsible for costumes and makeup – a very busy lady. Simple but effective choreography from Ceris Manger, Lauren Varley and, inevitably, Pam Leach.

All of this was under the watchful eye of Stage Manager, Damian Burras – was it Damian who stole the limelight changing scenery? You can’t keep a performer down.

As Director, as well as every other job she had, Pam Leach, should be very proud of her pantomime – a wonderful afternoon thoroughly enjoyed by all.

As always it was a pleasure to visit you and share the joy you bring to Burley in Wharfedale. I look forward to seeing you all again in the near future.

 

 

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