Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Newcastle Theatre Royal
Until Sunday 20th January 2019
Goldilocks and the Three Bears is one of those pantomimes
you tend not to see very often, it’s certainly not one of the top 5 most
performed shows. Don’t let that put you off; in fact I think it’s one of the
strong points of this year’s offerings from The Theatre Royal.
The story of Goldilocks is a simple one about a girl who
happens upon a house in the woods. She sits on three chairs, she eats three bowls
of porridge and sleeps in three beds. Finally she meets three bears. So how
does this work as a pantomime. Michael Harrison and Alan McHugh have written a
pantomime that keeps those traditional elements but incorporates many new
elements. The traditional part of the story is told expertly through song with
Goldilocks, Dame Rita and the Three Bears. The rest of the story takes place in
two rival circus’, Dame Rita (Chris Hayward) Rington’s Circus and Baron Von
Vinklebottom’s (Steve Arnott) circus.
Danny Adams, now in his 14th year at The Theatre
Royal, said at the end of the show, “We try every year to make it better.” I’d
say they have succeeded in creating their best pantomime EVER! Danny Adams and
Clive Webb are often seen as the big draw for the Theatre Royal but this is so
much more than the double acts show. They are undoubtedly phenomenal,
hard-working and hilarious performers but this is a pantomime family which
relies on the dynamic of every performer. Chris Hayward’s Dame Rita is a
glamorous, fabulous and saucy dame. With 12 costume changes and 4 musical
numbers she is rarely off the stage and provides much hilarity and a touch of
class.
Steve Arnott, in his 10th appearance as baddie,
is nothing short of phenomenal. He is an absolute master class in how to be a
panto villain. His costume and make up are perfect. His accent as Von
Vinklebottom is flawless and when he is in disguise and uses a Geordie accent
it’s only then you realise just how good it is! He’s imposing, got great
charisma and the audience love to hate him. His circus number in act 2 was a
particular highlight for me! Wayne Smith is likable as the ‘star of the show’
Starbuck and works well with Danny Adams. Laura Evans was a big hit with the
young girls in the audience as the adorable Goldilocks and had a great singing
voice.
The Three Bears can often be the difficult parts to pull
off in this show but that is not the case here. Thankfully we can see the
actors faces who play the Geordie Bears that can talk. Peter Peverley, Christina
Berriman Dawson and Reece Sibbald play these bears with great energy and
they’re a welcome addition.
My special mention goes to Michael Potts as the circus
idiot. Every time he comes on stage I was in hysterics. He is a comic genius!
There are many highlights in this show: The Circus Car
Routine, Danny and Clive’s Magic Sequence, Danny, Starbucks, and Dame Rita’s
Shoe Shine Routine, The ‘Alexa’ Song Routine and the audience participation
Romeo & Juliet routine. In fact there is very little to be critical of. The
only thing I picked up on and it’s a personal preference, is The Circus Acts
slowed the pace of the show down. The
Skating Mendini, The Berserk Riders and The Great Juggling Alfino all have solo
spots within the show. That said they had younger members of the audience
whooping and gasping.
I must also mention the lighting designer, Ben Cracknell
who has excelled in lighting this show, spectacular!
This is a tour de force of Pantomime and Circus fusion.
This is bigger than pantomime, this is an absolutely spectacular show worthy of
the West End. It has everything you could possibly want from a night at the
theatre. It has magic, music, mayhem and even motorbikes! It’s slick, exciting,
thrilling and hilarious! This is an epic pantomime that Newcastle can be very
proud of!
Review
by Stephen Sullivan on behalf of The North East Theatre Guide.
Tickets:
Goldilocks plays Tuesday 27thNovember
2018 – Sunday 20th January 2019
Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11
21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or
book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk.
