REVIEW: Goldilocks & The Three Bears - St Helen's Theatre Royal
Easter officially started in St Helens on Saturday night with the Press night performance of Goldilocks & The Three Bears at St Helens Theatre Royal Theatre. The highly entertaining, bedazzling pantomime is the latest offering presented by Regal Entertainments. This Easter bonanza was the first staged production post Covid restrictions being lifted. As such, there was a high level of demand for the return of the original production.
Set to run for just two weeks and until April 14th, the talented cast offer up magnanimously an array of scenes to delight old and young alike. The show broke box office records back in 2021 with enviable 5-star reviews and is set to do the same in 2024.
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| Photo Credit David Munn Photography |
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| Photo Credit David Munn Photography |
From the set design to the sensational cast and script, the show is engaging and captivating. We, the audience are welcomed to the circus, with its thrills and spills.The protagonists include Benjamin Keith as the ringmaster and Katy McKenna as Goldilocks. The plot is centred around Goldilocks' attempts to save her struggling circus which lacts a star act and to save it from the hands of a rival circus owner reputed for his animal cruelty. 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 (Lewis Devine) and the Ringmaster (Benjamin Keith). What ensues is a hilarious twist on the old classic and a spectacular display of quick-wit, glitz and glamour.
The show opens with some toe-tapping songs and visual delights from the dance scenes. Kudos to Nazene Langfield and the dancers who showcased her creativity through their expression. We soon meet Goldilocks (Katy McKenna) Dame Gertie (Richard Aucott) - and the charismatic Villain: Baron Von Vippemall as played by Conor Barrie. He bursts onto stage in a Rocky Horror show style and from his first line makes an enigmatic connection with the audience. The way in which he delivers his lines are hilarious. He announces that he needs his inhaler after the pyrotechnic display at the start of the show. He acknowledges the audience by saying 'Thank you for giving me the clap" and "it smells like children". He quickly establishes his villain status by telling the children how much he hates them, which they love of course, retorting with boos and hisses. The audience erupted into laughter every time he enquired "Have you seen my bears?" and "Did you miss me?" in a hybrid Swedish / German style accent. He exits the stage by sliding and saying in an enunciated way "schliiiide". It never gets old.
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| Photo Credit David Munn Photography Lewis Devine as Silly Billy & Richard Aucott as Dame Gertie |
Lewis Devine is a pro when it comes to panto and he puts his heart and soul into his performance as Silly Billy. He endears himself to the audience because of his energy and tomfoolery. He invites the audience to journey with him as they are encouraged to not take themselves too seriously and to immerse themselves into the twist and turns of the show. The level of engagement that Lewis commands from the audience is phenomenal and happens with effortless ease.
Katy Mckenna has great stage presence and excellent vocal ability. She played Goldilocks beautifully and was like a dose of sunshine from the moment she stepped onto the stage. She performed well alongside ringmaster Benjamin Keith who was a noteable and worthy lead. The circus skills and stunts were impressive with skills on the silks and fire-poi being amongst some of the visual spectacles. When the bears made an appearance, Ionica Adriana plays Baby Bear, Warren Donnelly Daddy Bear and Hannah Riley Mummy Bear, we the audience become enamoured with them. Baby bear was mischevious and adorable, whilst mummy and daddy bear were witty and engaging.
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| Photo Credit: David Munn Photography |
In Act 2, the audience were treated to performances by a dynamic trio of dogs; Buddy, Bindi and Benny from Doggy Delights The canine furry animals delivered and delighted the whole audience unreservedly.
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| Photo Credit David Munn Photography Dame Gertie - Richard Aucott |
A special mention must go out to Richard Aucott who plays Dame Gertie. Not only were his costumes exceptional, which incidentally he creates himself, his ease at creating cohesion in the production through his one-liners and execution of physical theatre is highly impressive.
The whole cast were incredible, there is no doubt about that. I laughed abundantly at Conor Barrie and his portrayal of Baron Von Vippemall. His prowess in physical theatre was commendable. Whether he was launching himself across the stage or contorting his face whilst speaking in his hilarious accent, he lit the stage up by his gravitas and you couldn't help but adore him despite his baddie status.
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| Photo Credit David Munn Photography |
I really enjoyed this production. This absolutely is a family affair and the creative team have got it more than 'just right'.
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| Photo Credit David Munn Photography |
I give this panto a perfect 5/5 - it is a funny crowd-pleaser guaranteed to get you in the Easter spirit. Get your dose of high-vibe goodness by booking your ticket. Your family will be delighted at this egg-cellent offering.
Roll Up, Roll up. Book your tickets here
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