Goldilocks And The Three Bears, Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond (From The Northern Echo)

Goldilocks And The Three Bears, Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond

10:54am Tuesday 22nd December 2009 in

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CHRISTMAS is here – it must be, because the panto is in town.

Richmond’s Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a superb example of why this age-old tradition continues in every town in Britain, year after year.

The performance ticks all the boxes, with endless one-liners, star actors letting their hair down, crowd-pleasing songs and general mayhem aplenty.

Paul Roberts, former lead singer of The Stranglers, playing the circus ringmaster, honours the audience with a rendition of the hit Golden Brown (with lyrics changed to Goldilocks of course), his captivating velvety voice reminding those who remember such things, why this hit was such a classic.

Tony Howes, as the wonderful clown Silly Billy, demonstrates his acting versatility, despite having credits for straight roles in Emmerdale, The Bill and Casualty.

Louise Willoughby, playing Goldilocks, wows with her pretty girl-next-door cuteness as well as an ability to sing and dance beautifully. Shakespearean actor James Lavender, who plays the evil Baron, gives a hugely energetic performance which is both menacing, camp and funny in equal measure. For his part, sidekick Igor is convincingly disturbing.

The well-rehearsed young dancers from Stockton’s Heritage School of Dance perform perfectly, and one girl’s demonstration of gymnastics is especially impressive.

This pantomime is a heartwarming way to kick off the season of good cheer. Forget the seemingly endless present shopping for a few hours, go along and enjoy a good oldfashioned giggle.

■ Until December 31. Box office: 01748-825252

Andrea Nader