When you produce a present constructed round star names and their previous performances to draw the gang, you might be left with some problem when that star is indisposed and may’t seem leaving a gaping void that’s arduous for even the perfect understudy to fill. So, when the Count Ramsey of Erinsborough walked on stage within the opening scene to talk his opening traces in an Australian accent there was a puff of disappointment as 2000 individuals instantly realised that Jason Donovan had succumbed to the chilly, he had highlighted on a latest TV interview. James-Lee Harris crammed these exhibits effectively however with out Donavan’s stage presence and interplay with the remainder of the forged it did really feel a bit flat. To make issues worse this title is brief on story, because the Dame remarked when one other little bit of pantomime enterprise was over, “get back to the plot, thin as it is”.
The Goldilocks and three bears title is extra a range present than a pantomime and the circus setting turns into a car for these acts to naturally seem. Being a giant manufacturing worth present there have been loads of animals on present from the opening Gorilla, Lion and Seal lion balancing a ball, to zebras crossing the stage and not using a punchline, and a Hippo pirouetting, in addition to giraffes and a dancing elephant. Most spectacular was Goldilocks driving on an infinite Nellie elephant for no apparent cause besides that they’d one in inventory. But the range was offered by Rola Rola, a balancing act and The Skating Sensations (you guessed it, a roller-skating act) and naturally by Cadell’s illusions. These illusions depend on the presentation, sharp lighting and misdirection and appeared rushed. His opening look behind a big letter, his bike stunt, his look in a hoop of fireside after which numerous escapes together with his assistant from containers all failed to depart you questioning how they have been finished or lacked jeopardy and drama.Goldilocks performed by Faye Brooks was the ringmaster and joined in a lot of the enterprise giving the 12 days of Christmas a freshness as she teased the Count as he appeared to stumble by way of the hectic routine. They had at the least up to date the phrases from the drained model carried out elsewhere and integrated different enterprise with stage lights and again garments which added to a routine that by no means fails to thrill the audiences. She additionally will get to suggest to Joey on the finish in one other trendy replace!
There was loads of vitality and energy on stage not least from a superb ensemble of 9 in refrain and the three bears of their big wobbly costumes however in the end the present depends on Jason Donavan and Richard Cadell to supply the leisure and with out Donavan the burden fell on Cadell who did an excellent job however simply not fairly pretty much as good as final 12 months’s fantastic Buttons in Cinderella on the identical venue nor pretty much as good because the manufacturing of the identical title at Richmond this 12 months. Nevertheless, regardless of Donavan’s absence, the Southampton viewers loved the Boxing Day present, and I’m positive felt they obtained their cash’s price, even these Cadell picked on within the costly containers!Review by Nick Wayne
Rating: ★★★
Seat: Stalls, Row S | Price of Ticket: £29.50