Richmond Theatre – until 31st December 2022
Reviewed by Carly Burlinge and SJ Burlinge Aged 10
5*****
Richmond Theatre brings you this year’s Panto Goldilocks and the Three Bears “The Greatest Panto on Earth” and indeed it was!
Much Sparkle and pizzazz an all-rounder extraordinary show full of fun and laughter that you must get yourself down to see. Pure excellence!
The story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is not the original that we all know but adapted with a twist. When Goldilocks’s (Tamara Morgan) Circus is under pressure as they have lost their star of the show and with a rival Circus owner being the enemy wanting to ruin all they have. Can Goldilocks and her Circus friends work together to save their Circus? With a lot on the line and a fight against the Evil Countess Von Vinklebottom (Jessica Martin). Will they succeed or will they need a little help from 3 Fantastic Bears – Mummy Bear (Nova Skipp) Daddy Bear (James Paterson) Baby Bear (Lucy Conley) in order to conquer the Countess!!!
Ringo The Ringmaster (Phil Walker) whilst on his adventures to save the circus with his friends, offers many jokes with his infectious laugh as well as being loud and sparkly and getting the audience to laugh throughout. Goldilocks is sweet and pure, delightful and pleasant all while offering welcoming songs, inviting you to the greatest show on earth. Joey the Clown (Matt Baker) would love to be the star of the show. He is ambitious and willing to do anything that would impress Goldilocks and get her attention. He was upbeat and entertaining to watch at all times along with his spectacular tightrope act. Dame Betty Barnum (Nigel Ellacott) gave us an absolutely eye-catching performance with her many outrageous but fun and amusing costumes with her slapstick comedy. One thing’s for sure, she definitley brings a tremendous experience for all audiences to see. Countess Von Vinklebottom plays a very deceiving character, who’s only wish is to get her hands on Dame Betty Barnum’s circus animals. When she tells everyone that all the animals will be hers, the audience have a quick response of “Oh no they won’t”, “Oh yes, they will”. True pantomime style. This production offered so much and more, at times I had to remind myself that I wasn’t actually in a real a circus. With some phenomenal acts such as the Magical Mysterioso (Phil Hitchcock) rocking some extravagant and alluring tricks, keeping both adults and children quiet and absorbed with excitement, what a splendid job done there and what a smile. Finally, El Mariachi Maquez (Gorden Maquez) a juggler of international experience, showed off his spectacular skill of different combinations and speed in juggling. Just extraordinary. With 3 dancing bears, what more could you ask for?
This panto was just exceptional from beginning to end, with costumes that were outstanding, full of colour and totally unique. Great lighting with sparkles and feathers everywhere. So much glamour from one show! The atmosphere in itself was energetic and remarkable. What a performance, with so much talent involved! Richmond you’ve done it again, a production with an atmosphere of greatness and pure delight.