Goldilocks and the Three Bears

BADG is a very small company consisting of 15 performers and lots of supporters in the audience. There is always a queue to get into the school where they perform.

They may be a small cast but lots of talent on or behind the production. Also there are still enough for principals and chorus. Indeed the 4 chorus members (Megan Little, Laura Thomas, Maya Stranc and Amber Lobley) had lots to do throughout, dancing as fairies in the night, riding blow up elephants in the circus, etc. I cannot stress how valuable a chorus is in any show, don’t say “I am only in the chorus”.

As always at Broughton the children in the audience are able to do their bit, this time singing nursery rhymes with gusto in the ghost scene. One of the children also shouted that there was no steam coming from the hot porridge when Goldilocks said it was too hot. An extra laugh that was not scripted.

Goldilocks (Mary Ainsworth) had good stage presence. I think lots of us were jealous about the ring, mistress costume and make-up. Ring Mistress Heinkel (Keira Edwards) was excellent, no one argued with her. Her stance and diction were formidable. Snot (Kornelia Stranc) was Heinkel’s assistant, she may have moved from comedy to the dark side this year, but she actually brought comedy with her in her portrayal as Snot. Mystic Sharon (Chelsea Bolton) brought her magic with her, and also her powerful singing voice. Magical Keith         (Olivia Dowhan) was at the ready to show her magical skills.

Heinkel wasn’t the only one making us envy their costume. Dame Gertie Dollop (Jay Timms) had her fair share . Dames historically make fun and laughter, not to be left out. Gertie Dollop was very good with ad libs, especially when either reminding others about their lines, or vice versa. She related very well with Silly Billy (Danny Shaw). They both did balloon tricks and I loved the scene when they were in bed together. A standing up bed, very funny. 

Silly Billy played a superb part, kept the story going, his singing was superb too.  In his bio in the programme it says “Danny describes himself a born entertainer who loves nothing more than making people laugh and smile.” He certainly did that as Silly Billy.

Your story was “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”. The 3 bears were a real family, Daddy Bear (Euan Keogh), Mummy Bear (Natalia Taneska) and Baby Bear (Ruby Conlan). When “ we went down to the woods today” we were directed by road signs, very clever. Baron Wasteland (Mike Probert), Goldilocks’ father was a small part but well played.

Justyn Jones, the director and band leader, certainly provided the relevant music through the show. It is refreshing to hear live music played so well.

Congratulations all of you for another lovely show. We all left the hall with a smile on our faces.

 

The views in this report are solely of the author.

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