Easter half term is well and truly taken care of as Goldilocks rolls back into St Helens along with the biggest, most lavish circus in town. A magical world full of razzle dazzle, and lots of silliness in this thoroughly entertaining production which will get the whole family laughing and dancing in the aisles.
Under the competent direction of Chantelle Nolan, an enthusiastic cast deliver stellar performances, whilst visibly having lots of fun. Goldilocks has it all, the porridge and some! An all singing and dancing extravaganza, laced together with cheeky innuendoes, familiar panto tropes, and topped off with plenty of physical comedy as well as some dancing doggy delights.
Katy McKenna sparkles as Goldilocks, enchanting and engaging throughout. A steady calm amongst the chaos as her sweet carefree nature is captivating, especially to the younger audience. Not to be underestimated, Goldilocks gets what she wants, in the form of love interest, The Ringmaster, played by the charming Ben Keith, who’s chemistry with McKenna is delightful to watch.
The entertaining Lewis Devine is back as Silly Billy (this month!) and does not disappoint. An accomplished comic actor, energetic Devine is the jewel in the Royal’s crown. We’re treated to several face achingly funny sketches, including some technical tongue twisters all of which are executed with comedic precision. The Mastermind and Pinky Winky segments are hilarious. Both segments are complimented by strong performances from Conor Barrie as the wild whipping Baron Von Vippemall, and Richard Aucott who stuns as the gorgeous Dame Gertie. Barrie and Aucott provide enough bounce and natural corpsing which intensify Silly Billy’s shenanigans. Nervous puppet Jeffy and some topical comedy in the form of a grotesque Sunak provide some other laugh out loud moments.
In this familiar tale we discover that the future of Dame Gertie’s Circus is under threat following the arrival of a family of three cheeky bears (Warren Donnelly, Hannah Riley, Ionica Adriana) and their evil boss, Vippemall. It’s down to our favourite fair-haired maiden, Goldilocks, to save the day.
Move over Blackpool’s Mr Boo and Mooky, who are given a run for their money as we’re treated to various performances worthy of a Big Top; including the brilliant Doggy Delight featuring the clever jumping pooches Buddy, Bindi and Benny, who wouldn’t look out of place on Britain’s Got Talent. Choreographer Nazene Langfield and the fabulous dancers from Dynamix Performing Arts college provide circus flamboyance with an aerialist and acrobatic lifts. The dancer’s energy and enthusiasm throughout, provides movement and memento, adding an extra pinch of razzmatazz making for excellent pacing.
The St Helens Theatre Royal and Regal Entertainments Ltd is unwavering in its ability to deliver exceptional, and financially accessible, panto productions. The exquisite detail of the costumes and set design, showcased by the impressive technical aspects of the lighting and special effects brings together a pantomime superior to its other local counterparts.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears is on until the 14th April 2024, to purchase tickets please visit, https://www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com/show/873654733/
Reviewer: Gill Lewis
Reviewed: 30th March 2024
North West End UK Rating: