Goldilocks and the Three Bears

This was a new panto for me and despite being BASE’s 54th pantomime, this one has not been on the roster since 1984! And it was worth the 42 year wait as a very enjoyable evening was had by all watching the plucky Goldilocks fight off the evil machinations of Ringmaster Heinkel who is hellbent on shutting down the family circus. But in a plot twist, Goldilocks is a boy but the hair was golden so all was well!

This was a very well put together production that reflected the amount of work that had gone into it from all concerned. We had that fabulous mix of some fresh ideas alongside all our panto faves! Plenty of groan gags and a very naughty dame who gave us plenty of jokes that sailed right over the children’s heads! I think the joke about cottaging also bypassed a good few of the more innocent adults too! I obviously had to have it explained to me…….ahem!

The music was well executed and contained a good mix of songs to appeal to all ages. The MD also became part of the cast on occasion when addressed by the cast. Sound and lighting was all doing what it needed to do although there was some backstage noise that was quite noticeable just in a couple of parts mainly when the carriage was being moved and when the gaffa tape was being applied/removed for the “food scene”.  The set overall however was excellent with all the different locales well executed. Costume was also very good, particularly the bears although the dame sported some very memorable ensembles even if the dolly mixtures on the hat nearly knocked out a couple of cast mates!! Also, is it wrong to totally covet the villains coat and hat for a night out? For a friend obviously!

Everyone was secure in their roles and obviously well-rehearsed, having fun and absolutely working well as a team. The audience responded to this in kind and displayed their enthusiasm throughout. La grande dame, Dame Gertie Dollop was fabulously portrayed by Martin Goodall, sporting some amazing outfits, spilling some cringeworthy jokes and generally being the mistress of fabulous panto chaos. Her two kids, Goldilocks and Silly Billy (Faris Harlow-Makin & Jodie Swan) helped her at the circus and tried to keep the evil Ringmaster Heinkel at bay. Great performances and good vocals from them both. And Peter Bourbe as Heinkel (if that coat needs a new home?!?!) gave us the panto villain that we loved to boo and jeer and who gets his comeuppance at the end, as he should. Those of us old enough to remember Mystic Meg especially loved Mystic Karen (Sarah Goodall), the fairy godmother character who helps our plucky heroes with the aid of her crystal ball whilst giving us a nice vocal. Baron Wasteland (Chris Knight) is the evil landowner threatening to evict the circus from his land gave us a plucky performance as he appeared to have been afflicted by the evil lurgy bug but did a sterling job in the true spirit of the show must go on. A good bit of the comedic element was provided by Snot (Thomas Harrison) who was playing the slightly dopey sidekick whose heart isn’t really in the evil doing! The circus was completed by Karl Forst & George Weighall (Colossus & Magical Keith), stalwart performers who are loyal to Dame Gertie.

And the bears! Amazing costumes and some quite fabulous physical acting despite the constraints of the extensive costumes which made them so cute, I just wanted to give them a hug! Daddy Bear, Mummy Bear and Baby Bear (Ken Dawson, Callie Burley & Sam Uche) took a while to take to the stage but when they did, sort of stole the show. Overall, it was a great cast that gelled very well together and was excellently supported by the ensemble who brought energy to every scene they were in.

This was a half term treat for all that seemed to be enjoyed by the audience as much as by the cast. BASE continue their long tradition of offering a quality panto to the audiences of Burton along with this visiting NODA rep! Thank you so much for the invite and your hospitality. I am sure your next offering will be something to look forward to with great anticipation.

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