Review: Pantomime at the Maddermarket Theatre in Norwich

This is not the first family pantomime produced by the team at city-based Sound Ideas Theatre Company, but it certainly delivers on the standard audiences have come to expect from them – if anything, this production has raised the bar.  

The family friendly pantomime is running throughout December (Image: Brandon Chaskin)This pantomime tells a different version of the story we have come to know.  

It follows Dame Betty Barnum (Dan Smith) who owns the circus as she tries to introduce new acts in order to bring in more money to keep her circus alive.  

Among Dame Betty’s acts are Goldilocks (Holly Graham) and Joey the clown (Zak Sowter).  

The story is complete with well-known characters like Baby Bear played by Lauren Bryant (Image: Brandon Chaskin)

While in the woods trying to track down their escaped ‘chunky hairy monkey’ they come across the three bears, Mama Bear (Anna Goode), Baby Bear (Lauren Bryant) and Papa Bear (Matt Squance) who plan to join the circus.  

Their plans are squandered by The Evil Ringmaster (Kade Cipher) in this nonstop adventure.  

All costumes in Goldilocks have been made by director Dan Smith and his company at D and S Costumes and they really are second to none.  

Kade Cipher gives a new edge to the classic pantomime villain (Image: Brandon Chaskin)

With all the characters you expect to see at the circus - bears, monkeys and an incredible amount of costume changes for the dame - there is a spectacle around every corner.  

The cast was strong, with standout performances being given by Dan Smith who demands the audience's attention as the Dame in massive and intricate costumes.  

Kade Cipher really does steal the show though, equal parts menacing and side-splitting hilarious, this really is a new version of the panto villain that is worth the ticket price alone.  

Holly Graham has outstanding vocals as she steps into the role of Goldilocks (Image: Brandon Chaskin)

All while Zak Sowter gets the audience roaring as he steps into the comic shoes for another year.  

Glued together with the outstanding vocals of Holly Graham and the best ensemble (Nic Gordon, Harry Wilson, Cathy Wilson, Georgia Skipper and Kate Pantry) in panto land, expertly choreographed by Martin Smith – this show is really not to be missed.  

Tickets are available from the Maddermarket Theatre (Image: Brandon Chaskin)

Tickets are available from the Maddermarket box office and website, and the show runs for the rest of December.