Goldilocks and the Three Bears

I was delighted to be asked to attend BPTP's production, covering for my NODA colleague, Bryan Craven. This was a very 'sweet' pantomime, in more ways than one!  We are all familiar with the story of naughty Goldilocks and the Three Bears, involving her making a mess of the Bears' breakfast table, but the writer of this story, Linda Birch, broadened the tale with some lovely characters. We had strong performances from Mother, Father and Baby Bear - an attractive Goldilocks, a strict Queen Clothilde, (Goldilocks' mother), a laid-back Dame Choppit, given some great throw-away lines - his son, Charlie (the story's hero!), a pretty Fairy Bluebell (very clear diction from this young lady) and Withers, the Butler, a rather cheeky servant. Other characters; Callista the Witch, Wiley the Wasp, Queen Bee, Dustin Drone, Lucinda, a Lady-in-Waiting and three Working Bees, all added very well to the mix. The pantomime was also directed by Linda, so she was able to guide her cast smoothly between scenes. There was much reference to keeping everything 'green', a nod to ecologists, not lost on the audience! The Musical Director, Emma Smith, had also worked with enthusiasm on the casts' musical talents.

As I studied the programme, I realised that BPTP is a very family-orientated group. The cast on stage had excellent back-up from behind-the-scenes - on the technical side, with Trevor Smith as Stage Manager, the sets and props were of a very high standard, beautifully painted, under the direction of Edward Turner and they fitted well onto the Church Hall stage. The costumes were beautiful and a lot of hard work must have been put into them (credited to Carolynn Dickinson). I loved the way the make-up had been designed for each character, especially the Bees, the Wasp and of course the Bears!

The highlight of the show for me was the 'song-sheet' - the audience, consisting mainly of families, senior citizens and 'Rainbows' were encouraged to sing by the Dame and Charlie, ( a little-known song for the youngsters!)  the 'Busy Bee' song originally recorded by the comedian, Arthur Askey. This involved jumping up and down from our seats and I am glad to say, the adults gave the children a run for their money, with gales of laughter! This is what pantomime is all about - a sweet story, lots of jokes, lovely costumes, sets, lighting and sound. I congratulate everybody involved - a honey of a pantomime!

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