Goldilocks And The Three Bears At the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton Review
TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST/S FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Jane Warwick
Roll up! Roll up for the Greatest Show on Earth! The Mayflower Theatre has been transformed into a sensational circus for this year’s pantomime and a full house was treated last night to all the classic components of a pantomime for all the family.
This version of Goldilocks and The Three Bears has been greatly revised and reimagined and has Dame Betty Barnum (Adam Strong) and her daughter Goldilocks (Faye Brookes) battling to save their circus from their evil competitor Count Ramsay of Erinsborough (Jason Donovan) who is intent on stealing their three lovable bears and leaving them in ruin. This rather weak storyline is the vehicle for an archetypal pantomime with its love interest, plenty of opportunities for boo and hiss, likable fools, an ‘over-the-top’ Dame, and a villain dominating proceedings. This production contained all of these but surpassed itself with quite phenomenal stage lighting, spectacular costumes, superb dancing and choreography, some awe-inspiring magic and some extraordinary special effects which were amongst the best any theatre, anywhere, can offer. The best pantomime must appeal to all ages, and this was certainly the case at the Mayflower last night. The numerous children in the audience were obviously having a wonderful time and were fully involved with the characters on stage whilst I marvelled at the hair-raising stunts, international circus acts and general quality of the production.
Jason Donovan (Actor, Singer and TV star) and Faye Brookes (Coronation Street and musical theatre star) were suitably well known to be the butt of numerous jokes alluding to their previous career successes and they played their leading roles well although it is difficult to think of Jason Donovan as an evil baddy! Adam Strong has featured in much musical theatre, but this is his debut as a pantomime dame and he appeared to relish the role.
Richard Cadell as Joey the clown is a first-class entertainer who knows how to warm-up an audience and ensure a suitably festive atmosphere. In addition to his naughty jokes, amusing ad-libs and general tomfoolery he also brings Sooty and Sweep to the proceedings who not only entertain the younger members of the audience but also brings back lots of happy memories to the adults. He also does some very impressive magic tricks and several of the illusions left the audience shaking their heads in amazement.
It is not every day that you see a tap-dancing bear and Shakira Simpson (Baby Bear) danced delightfully, assisted by her daddy (Ewan Goddard) and Mummy (Shona White). Their classic ‘who’s been sleeping in my bed ‘routine briefly returned us to the well known story line.
Rola Rola (Junior Lichner) and The Skating Sensations (Armando and Jane) contributed some excellent circus acts of a very high standard and helped cement the illusion of being in the ‘Big Top’.
Goldilocks and The Three Bears is produced by Crossroads Pantomimes who are the world’s largest pantomime producer. The elaborate sets, and stunning costumes, are from the London Palladium whilst praise must be given to Ben Cracknell (original lighting design) and Andrew Exeter (Lighting Design Recreation) for the magnificent lighting effects-almost certainly the most elaborate seen at The Mayflower. Also, the special effects produced by The Twins FX are guaranteed to get a gasp from the audience and are truly impressive.
The Mayflower is an excellent venue and a deservedly popular theatre. It is the largest theatre on the South coast with over 2300 seats and the stalls seat I was in gave an excellent view of the stage. There is a well- stocked bar and the facility to bring your drinks into the auditorium, plus a range of ice-creams and sweets which are often an essential ingredient for a theatre show. There is good easy parking and a good selection of restaurants within easy reach of the theatre making it the ideal place for an enjoyable evening’s entertainment. Recommended for all the family-a classic and spectacular pantomime guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets cost from£19.50 – £47.50
Goldilocks and the Three Bears is at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton from Saturday December 10-Saturday December 31
For more information or to book tickets visit https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on or call the box office on 02380 711811
22-26 Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1GE