Theatre companies the length and breadth of the country are putting the finishing touches to their Yuletide offerings. But there’s one company that’s finishing off their UK tour of Goldilocks and the Three Bears in Llangefni, Anglesey this week.
That’s right boys and girls; panto isn’t just for Christmas.
North Wales based theatre company, Magic Light Productions, has been touring their version of this children’s classic since September and I was lucky enough to catch one of their final shows as they finish the run this week at Llangefni Football Club.
Inspired by the 1887 Robert Southey fairy-tale of the same name, Goldilocks and the Three Bears tells the story of how our porridge loving heroes end up working for, and attempting to save, Grandma Gertie’s Circus.
Packed to the rafters with catchy songs, magic, illusions, slapstick, comedy, and all the raucous audience participation you could want.
The cast of just five actors bring to life an entire World of characters that will have you cheering, laughing and booing your smelly socks off. In fact, it’s safe to say that this is one of the most enjoyable family theatre experiences this reviewer has had in a long time.
I don’t want to say too much as part of the joy of this production is not knowing what’s going to happen next. But I can safely say that if you get chance to catch this production you really should do so.
Stuart Loughland, who plays the struggling circus owner Granny Gertie, brings with him a wealth of experience gained from over a decade of touring with The Chuckle Brothers, as well as many years pervious to this performing as Safire Illusions in Blackpool, Las Vegas and cruise ships throughout the World and leads his cast in creating a show that will thrill and delight children and adults of all ages.
Libby Edwards is a wonderful Goldilocks and guides the story effortlessly; whilst her sidekick Muddles, played by Steve Bloor, works the children in to an absolute frenzy every time he walks on stage. Quite how she keeps everything together is beyond me, but she does and she does it with style.
Hannah Prosser as the Evil Ringmaster makes one of the best panto villains I’ve had the pleasure of booing and plays The Spirit of the Circus with grace and elegance. He even gets chance to stretch his magic muscles by making tables fly and juggling balls vanish and reappear around the stage.
The final performances of Goldilocks and the Three Bears are at the Llangefni Football Club tomorrow at 10am, 1pm and 7pm. Get your tickets on the door.
If you miss out on seeing Goldilocks and the Three Bears in Llangefni fear not. Magic Light Productions will be back in Theatr Colwyn on the 17th December with 22 performances of their reimagining of the children’s classic Jack and the Beanstalk over the Christmas season.
For more info about their Christmas panto check out www.theatrecolwyn.co.uk or call the theatre’s box office on 01492577888.