Goldilocks and The Three Bears at the King’s Theatre Edinburgh Review

Reviewed by Lynsey Miller

The self-acclaimed “Greatest Panto on Earth”, as always, lived up to expectations. This year’s panto was loosely based on the classic tale of Goldilocks and The Three Bears with a circus theme thrown in for good measure.

The legendary comic trio Allan Stewart, Andy Gray and Grant Stott made a return to the stage this year in their outrageous costumes and hilarious mess ups. Doing a fantastic job in bringing the tale to life in true Christmas panto style and having everyone including themselves and especially the younger audience laughing out loud as they delivered that traditional slap stick banter that makes the Edinburgh Christmas panto so special. With Allan Stewart as Dame May McReekie, Andy Gray as Andy McReekie, the Ringmaster and Grant Stott as Baron von Vinklebottom the not so scary baddie – what could possibly go wrong, or is that right!

The trio were joined on stage by Rivercity’s Jordon Young as Joey the Clown and Gillian Parkhouse returning as lead playing Goldilocks. Both were excellent with Joey having a great time engaging with the kids. The very talented Edinburgh Dance Academy also joined the cast and were fantastic really giving the family festive feel to the whole production. But this year the panto featured some special guests – International Circus Acts The Great Juggling Alfio who was incredible and The Berserk Riders my personal favorite who were literally breath-taking. The whole cast were fabulous and looked like they were having so much fun.

This fun and current Scottish/Edinburgh take on a household favorite story is for all ages with just the right amount of silliness for the kids but with hilarious one liners and current jokes from tv to politics for the adults.

There was a huge amount of audience participation throughout as any good panto should have. And some great current music that got people dancing and singing along with some older numbers mixed in for the parents and grandparents. Even the programme was of great quality with puzzles etc. for children to take home. The stage and costumes as always looked fantastic.

The King’s was the perfect venue for my festive family night out. It is a small traditional theatre with a very welcoming warm atmosphere and friendly staff. Located in the heart of Edinburgh City Centre it is easily accessible by public transport but also has plenty of parking close by. And has a wide range of bars and restaurants surrounding it for pre-and post-theatre drinks and food.

My family and I had a great evening shouting, laughing, and singing from beginning to end watching the legendary trio get up to their old panto tricks. I would recommend the show to all audiences – young and old, families, couples or friends – there is something for everyone. It certainly got me in the Christmas spirit. I would give a very merry five stars out of five for this Christmas cracker of a panto!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £18.50 (booking fees may apply).

Goldilocks and The Three Bears at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh from 30 November 2019 to 19 January 2020, for more information or to book tickets visit www.capitaltheatres.com or call the box office on 0131 529 6000.

King’s Theatre, 2 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LQ | 0131 529 6000