Goldilocks and the Three Bears

This was a well-directed performance of Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Sandra Bird. The script the Company used was by Tom Whalley, it was adult in humour but this went way above the heads of the children present. The humour however was much appreciated by the adults present. Such that I had to nudge my grandson to be quieter as he was laughing so much throughout the performance. It was not just him but the people in front of us as well. It was really enjoyable, there was a good relationship with the audience which is not always the case with some pantomimes. Everyone joined in when required.

There was not a large cast, twelve in all but this was definitely quality over quantity. It was difficult to find fault with anyone, all characters worked seamlessly together, even at one point where some lines were forgotten the ad libbing at that point was brilliant and really appreciated by the audience. It would be difficult to single any one actor out as they just worked so well together, but I think I must mention the Dame, there were 8 changes of costume during the performance and not easy changes by the look of them so thanks to Ian and also to his dresser who worked miracles to get dresses on and off but they certainly looked good.

Samantha Gessey as Mystic Sharon and Mike Hadley as Ringmaster Heinkel complimented each other as the “good” and the “bad”. With Mike Hadley being ably assisted by Alan Groucott as his sidekick Snot.

The trio of Natalie Forbes-Moore (Goldilocks), Toni Bird (Silly Bily) and not forgetting Ian Thompson (Dame Gertie Dollop) brought the show together and really worked the audience. Thoroughly enjoyed the Twelve days of Christmas, Large balls were used and thrown into the audience such that we were laughing so much we never seemed to get to hear the last few days of the song!

Peter Corser, Anita Peakman and Sarah Wilkins comprised the three bears. Their costumes helped them with their roles and the children certainly enjoyed watching them.

Finally to David Gorton (Magical Keith) and Lynn Roberts (Ballerina) thanks.

Any production needs its actors to work together in whatever role they are cast as and the cast of this production certainly were like well oiled cogs in a wheel each supporting one another.

The costumes used were an asset to the production and helped to project the role of everyone.

Regarding the production itself there were a lot of positive points, I did like the way in which the set had been built. It was great to see the orchestra in full view of the audience and the impression given that they were behind the circus ring. The lighting was very effective in how it was used. The circle of light to represent the ring worked well, projected images on the back of the set, for example in one there was a carousel, but the one that struck me most was when baby bear was in the cage the projected cell behind him really stood out. Also the Ice cream tent and candy floss tent on each side of the stage gave more impressions of a circus.  

The back stage crew had to work hard but this was done in a quiet, efficient manner, the chair breaking worked well.

The orchestra did not drown out the singing and sound did a great job of controlling as all actors could be heard at all times.

In all a thoroughly good night out and thanks to Oldbury Rep for their hospitality.

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