Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Dinnington Operatic Society (DOS) gave a high-energy pantomime packed with many of the ingredients of a traditional pantomime, but what Dinnington do best is give their audience what they want - familiarity.   DOS know the people in the audience love the local references and opportunities to engage with the cast, especially those in regular roles.  The year-on-year laughs and jokes build up the fun for the repeat audience, but cleverly don’t leave newcomers feeling left out so they too can participate in the comedy and humour.

The script, by Tom Whalley, finds Dame Gertie as the owner of a struggling circus who along with her son Silly Billy, is trying to make ends meet.  Lodged on land belonging to Baron Wasteland, Billy is in love with his daughter, Goldilocks, but trouble is nearby with Ringmaster Heinkel waiting to take over.

There is a magical fairy, in the guise of Mystic Sharon, who does her best to help.  Played by Kim Hall, this  character, guided us through the tale with her comedic broad accent and strong vocals.   Her foe, Ringmaster Heinkel was played by Samantha Smedley, who is trying every trick in the book to take over the circus and make it part of her ‘Circus of Horrors’.     Smedley blended menace with glamour, whilst directing most of her angst at her side-kick Snot played by Luca Dent.  Dent gave a wonderful performance, demonstrating how a small role can have a huge impact if you maintain character and engage with the audience.  Never once did Dent lose the physicality that made him dislikeable and even when he ‘switched sides’ at the end of the pantomime (having been badly treated one too many times by Heinkel) he didn’t come out of character.  Excellent work by Dent.

There were strong performances by Tony Gallagher as Baron Wasteland and a number of featured Circus Friends including Magical Keith (Sam Bowers), his glamourous assistant Debbie (Isabelle Steadman) and the Ghost of Lord Fluffernutter (Ruby Harker).  The Three Bears were a delight – Daddy Bear was played by Steve Askew, Mummy Bear by Abby Phillips and the sweetest most engaging Baby Bear was played by Elle Brooke Hinchliffe who everyone couldn’t help but love.  Johnny Green took the role of Dame Gertie and in his own style gave the audience the hilarity that they have come to expect from the tottering Dinnington Dame in his short skirts and very large bra fillers.  Paired with onstage son, Silly Billy, Green has the audience laughing from first entrance.

At the heart of the story was Goldilocks, beautifully played by Charlotte Burgin, whose natural stage presence and sincerity really anchored the production.   Burgin’s vocal ability was strong throughout and her ease when working with the younger cast members really came to the fore.  There was an interesting ‘love interest’ sub plot which had a Cinderella-esque feel as Silly Billy was in love with Goldilocks, but in a lovely twist the love was reciprocated.  Silly Billy, the village idiot, was played by popular Dinnington performer Ashley Booker, who brought great comedy, warmth and impeccable comic timing.  Booker’s delivery of ‘asides’ is excellent – his ability to find a double-entre in anything is wonderful, but incredibly well disguised so that the show is still most definitely a family pantomime.  Booker’s familiarity with the area and the locals is no doubt one of the draws for the audience who love to engage with him at every opportunity.   Billy does go on to save-the-day and it was wonderful to see a comedy character as the stories hero.

The production had a circus themed ensemble. Singing and dancing were a constant feature and it was great to see a mix of ages in the ensemble working together.  The ensemble kept up their individual circus characters to add to the storyline.  Troupe dancing was provided by the very talented Julie Turner Stage Academy whose performers shine on stage.  Even the very youngest know all their moves and present with beautifully pointed toes and big smiles, whilst the older dancers demonstrated their skill and technique – as it says in the programme “It wouldn’t be a DOS pantomime without the energy, skill and commitment of The Julie Turner Stage Academy.”

The continued inclusion of a live band is a real pleasure at Dinnington as it adds depth and atmosphere to the auditorium, elevating the musical numbers.   It would be great if a way could be identified for the band to accompany the Stage Academy dancers and also other ways to integrate these very talented young performers more into the story. The opening of Act 2 “Circus” which featured Heinkel and The Stage Academy was definitely a highlight. 

Strong sound and lighting, provided by CS Technical LLP, further enhanced the magic.  There were some clever special effects, especially the boiling pot of porridge.  Costumes worked well and the Bears costumes were particularly adorable.  The numerous outfit changes of the Dame were another comic touch.   The ‘purse’ dress was stunning, as were the many wigs and headdresses worn by the Dame Gertie.  The Circus Caravan enhanced the set which relied on lighting effects for many of the backdrops. 

Congratulations to the production team: Director Courtney Smith, Musical Director Jonathan Wilby, Choreographers Fiona Howard and Jacqui Gorstridge, along with Stage Manager Richard Concannon for pulling off another entertaining pantomime.  Well done to everyone involved at Dinnington Operatic Society for giving the audience a great evening’s entertainment.

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