Goldilocks and the Three Bears

After a lull from panto LCBP were back with a great community spirit and entertained a full house of appreciative audience of all generations enjoying the fun from their presentation with Goldilocks, daughter of hard-up Dame Trott, sister to Simple Simon and immediately who was taken by the appearance of a splendid Edwin who of course was really a Prince.

She is saved from the evil Squire Dastardly and sidekick Igor with the help of the Forest Fairy and three lovable porridge eating members of a bear family. A comedy love affair with Marigold and Simon was wonderful. With the assistance of Polar Bear from the North Pole and of course a visit thereby magic the evil plan to steal an Apple Tree, by legend the giver of gold are thwarted, the tree and gold restored to Dame Trott and all ends happily ever after as in all good pantos. Plenty of laughs along the way with song and movement together with some off the script lines. A good community sing song – I had no idea we had so many meanings of the word ‘waves’ and we sang to the tune of ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary’ with of course the split audience vying to be best and our side was chosen!

I particularly liked the black and white easy to read A5 programme – the front cover original and depicting the key story points. The good inclusion of NODA info, cast member biogs and a good addition of photos of the cast naming each character. 

Fleur took on the role of Director plus being a member of the chorus, and developed some particularly clever ideas for movement and continuity. Good costumes with Margaret Punter and Sandy Lazarus creating character outfits and even Dame Trott was lit up. Imogen Beale as Goldilocks wa just right in yellow with her blond locks perfect for her character pairing well with Lyn Ford as a swash buckling hero prince defeating the Squire’s stooge Igor well played by Val Yates. Jenny Taylor was the mature Forest Fairy who waved her magic. Dave Bourne with his curved brows egged the audience into booing and hissing with his false exits – so funny but I am afraid he got his comeuppance for his evil plotting. The three bears were lovable - John Search increased in size and was lovable Daddy Bear with Jac Young Mummy Bear and Margaret Punter a delightful Baby who looked so sad behind bars having been kidnapped.

Gary Pope took on his usual role as SM but also made a fine Polar Bear for a splendid scene at the North Pole. The four stage crew worked well together moving props and setting scenes – some good effects both visual and sound. The team of set designers and construction used imaginative ideas for the various scenes from the Village of Dingley Down-Dell to Bears’ Cottage,  haunted cellar of the Manor House with prison cell, a Country Lovers’ Lane all set quietly and efficiently.

Margaret sat at the piano, directed the musical items, and gave a few prompts which gave further amusement. The whole cast must be thanked for sharing the fun experience of panto land once again.

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