REVIEW: Regal Entertainments Christmas Panto: Goldilocks & The Three Bears - Epstein Theatre

Tuesday night was the Press night performance of Goldilocks & The Three Bears at The Epstein Theatre. The incredibly funny, dazzling Christmas pantomime is an immersive spectacular presented by Regal Entertainments and entertain it did. Set to run until January 1st, the talented cast offer an array of scenes to delight old and young alike.

Despite the -5 degree temperatures of the Liverpool Streets on Tuesday evening, the heat of The Epstein theatre was enough to warm the hearts of it's theatre-goers and melt away any grumpiness about the weather.

The panto was written by Reece Sibald, produced by Chantelle Nolan and directed by Olivia Sloyan. The show is set in a circus and offers a magnanimous serving of belly-laughs and Christmas cheer. If seeing this show doesn't put you in the Festive spirit, I don't know what will.

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

From the set design to the sensational cast and script, the show is engaging, uplifting  and captivating. The protagonists include Hollyoak's actor David Tag and Olivia Sloyan as Goldilocks. The plot involves Goldilocks' attempts to save her Big Top from a rival circus owner. She enlists the help of the three talking bears and embarks on her mission. As with all pantomimes, there is an underlying love story and Goldilocks finds herself in a love triangle with Silly Billy (Brandon McCaffrey) and the Ringmaster (David Tag).

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

The show opens with some toe-tapping songs. We meet the Dame - Mama G from Britain's Got Talent and the incredible Villain: Baron Von Vippenall as played by the phenomenal Timothy Lucas. He bursts onto stage in a Rocky Horror show style and from his first line makes an enigmatic connection with the audience. His lines and delivery are hilarious. He acknowledges the audience by saying 'Thank you for giving me the clap" whilst telling them that they "Smell like schnitzel" He quickly establishes his villain status by telling the children how much he hates them, which they love of course. He refers to the Dame as a "lower-classed peasant from Bootle" and the audience erupted into laughter every time he enquired "Have you seen my bears?" in a mock Transylvanian style accent.

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

The circus skills and stunts were impressive with skills on the silks and fire-eating being amongst some of the visual spectacles. When the bears made an appearance, we soon realised that they were of course Scouse Bears which endeared them to the local crowd even more. Katy Mac was fantastic in her role of Baby Bear, Benjamin Keith played a witty Daddy Bear and Hannah Riley was a super Mummy Bear.

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

When the second act got under way, there was a slight fluffing of lines, but that mattered not as the audience were totally enamoured with the cast by this point and soaring on the high vibrations and energy that had been created in the earlier Act. This was a minor falter and was welcomed with laughter by the audience. The cohesion of the cast remained intact and the show continued to build in pace and momentum. I loved the way that the jokes aimed at the adults were tasteful and not merely cheap gags as can sometimes be the case in Panto. There was no lazy script-writing on Sibald's part and it was rather ingenious how the script was written to be relevant and regionally focused, building a connection and sense of relatability with the audience.

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

The whole cast were incredible, there is no doubt about that. Olivia Sloyan was ever the professional as always and was perfectly cast as Goldilocks. David Tag immersed himself into the role of the ringmaster. Timothy Lucas was the star of the show for me however, I laughed until I cried at his portrayal of Baron Von Vippenall. His prowess in physical theatre was commendable. Whether he was hurling himself across the stage or pulling facial expressions with hilarious accent to accompany them, he shone on stage and you couldn't help but love him. 

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

I would watch this production again in a heartbeat and encourage you all to gift yourself and your families this experience if you are able to this festive period. This absolutely is a family affair and the creative team have got it more than 'just right'.

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

This panto is a perfect 10/10 - it is a hilarious crowd-pleaser guaranteed to get you in the Festive spirit. Get your dose of high-vibe goodness.

Roll Up, Roll up. Book your tickets here

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography