Goldilocks And The Three Bears

Whitkirk Arts Guild’s production of “Goldilocks & The Three Bears” was panto at its best. Led by Director Louise Norbury Hall and assisted by Mia Rayson-Regan along with a strong production team who had obviously worked tirelessly to produce good storytelling, colourful characters who all blended together with fast-paced action, all delivered with enormous energy. This panto had something for everyone, being packed full of humour colour, drama and musical delights. The stage was constantly brimming with talent and enthusiasm, with plenty for the large group of talented performers to enjoy.

Tom Whalley’s wonderful script of Goldilocks and the Three Bears was a perfect vehicle for this vibrant society with a good balance of roles and characters, plenty of fresh-sounding puns and gags, and some classic pantomime business.

The circus theme was established long before the show started with a never-ending stream of bear jokes online thanks to Kate Bentley, and an excellent programme simply screamed, Roll up for the circus! Find the honey pot game was enjoyed by some keen youngsters and was a lovely idea. The billing in the programme of the bears as the bears assistants was a brilliant way of keeping the magic. There was an expectant buzz of excitement before the show even started, and many sang along to the well-chosen pre-show music. The comical opening of the television presenter and later inclusion featuring the stage crew added extra humour.

There was a fabulous choice of musical numbers, and the musical numbers just kept rolling on…and on…and on. The choreography was exceptional and varied, thanks to choreographers Charlotte Jackson, Beth Henderson-Clark, Claire Norbury-Hall and Nichola Taberner. We were treated to an array of colourful Panto creations by Claire Jackson. Dan Dainter created an exceptional look for the show with lighting effects that complemented and enriched the story, along with expertly controlled sound by Chris Beardwell. An efficient stage crew led by Lynne Bigland with Tim Bigland and Keith Speight kept things running smoothly.

I particularly loved the storytelling with a series of road signs—absolute pantomime comedy gold. A superb cast of goodies, baddies, cuddly bears, and amazing singers and dancers filled the stage in every single scene. The Dame’s Posse - Frances Harbour, Keeley Row, Lynette Hanratty and Charlotte Jackson along with Billy’s Crew - Beth Henderson-Clark, Sophie Rumbold, Frankie Lakin, Heinkel’s Mob - Andy Brown, Les Walker, Annie Mallinson and Sharon’s Circle - Sam Rawlings, Scarlett Walker, Nicola Taberner and Helen Thomson, were ingenious additions that added another layer of pure panto entertainment. Strong singing combined with good characterizations added a special something to this pantomime.

In the title role of Goldilocks, Laura Harvey was perfect in the part. Claire Norbury-Hall was a triumph as Silly Billy and I loved the energy she brought to ensure that you never ever stopped laughing; her mannerisms and smile were so infectious. Every good panto needs a Dame and Whitkirk had an excellent one in Chris Newsome, who expertly played Dame Gertie Dollop. Chris 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. Dame Gertie's ever-changing costumes and wigs were amusing, and even a change to more glamorous makeup was thrown in as the circus got richer. Congratulations, Chris, you made the part your own. Ringmaster Heinkel was played with real menace and conviction by Matthew Jackson. He was never out of character, and he worked the audience well. Alongside him was his long-suffering assistant, Snot, Sarah Martin who was super as the henchman, being both creepy and sensitive in equal measure. The lovable furry family of bears brought a very adorable touch to the stage. Nick Jackson as assistant to Daddy Bear, Charlotte Stenhouse as Mummy Bear, and Anna Deane as Baby Bear all deserve a special mention, as it’s not easy moving convincingly in an animal skin, but they did brilliantly. The whole audience fell in love with you!

The Baron was expertly played by Michael Eliot Hall.

Emma Cassells As Mystic Sharon was a marvellous mystic.

Magical Maureen Kate Bentley made the most of her role which added to the Panto fun.

Judy Harberd added to the fun with a cameo role as Colossus who after some time on her knees before growing right in front of our very eyes

Lynne Bigland showed that not only is she a good stage manager but a good performer as well.

There is an enormous team of people who have contributed to the Whitkirk Arrs Guild panto, and each one of you should be congratulated on the excellent work that you do. Goldilocks and the Three Bears was a treat, and I left feeling lucky to have seen this show because it proves that live theatre, which at its roots is for all to enjoy, is alive and well and living in Whitkirk.

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