Goldilocks By David CrumpCrescent Theatre, Birmingham | Runs: (2 hours 15 mins) 10, 11, 12 January 2026 Review by Roderick Dungate

Goldilocks

By David Crump

Crescent Theatre, Birmingham | Runs: (2 hours 15 mins) 10, 11, 12 January 2026

Review by Roderick Dungate

Performance : Saturday 10 January 2026, Matinee

“Energetic ensemble.”

This energetic and accomplished performance of the Goldilocks and Three Bears story is transported to a place where a circus appears to have lost all its animals.  The circus is run by dastardly Blackheart; he hears of three all singing all dancing bears.  They are a must-have if his show is to go on.

Jack Goode as the villain, Blackheart, with great confidence and evident pleasure he heads up the talented large company – there are around 40 of them.  His energy drives the show along.  His solo number (backed by the Daisy Wright, Charlotte Foxall and Hannah Ashford) ‘One Way or Another’ is a terrific early rhythmic showstopper. Blackheart is ably aided and abetted by a Little Britain influenced psychic in Daisy Wright’s creepy and hypnotic characterisation of Seyonce.

There’s a strong ensemble feeling for the show. with all the young performers getting their moments in the sun.  Joe Taylor as Nora Bone is a fine dame; he may or may not be pleased to know that a friend I was with, not used to pantomime conventions did not realise Nora was played by a fellah.

Gorgeous Goerge (romantic lead) was gorgeous, or should I say a delight in Joshua Hines’ performance, an endearing naivete.  His trio with (Lola Swoffer – the Mayor and Colin the Clown- Gethin Randerson is one of the show’s high spots.  This joy closely follows the delicate Fairy Bobbie Morrison who gives a totally full-bodied and full-voiced Miracles.  

An early attention-grabbing trio is from the Three Bears themselves. (Megan Allsop, Sophie Ashford and Jessie Butler), In fact, it’s a shame Blackheart is foiled in his attempt to feature them in his circus, we could have delighted in them all over again.  But then, I fear, Goldilocks, a feisty young woman and animal rights campaigner in Livvy Owen’s performance, would track me down and sort me out!

Whole company numbers are marvellous when they come along and sustain a flourish as the show comes to an end.

Director, Ralph Toppin, handles his young company with sensitivity and swagger.  MD, Chris Cororcan, enables them all to shine.

Birmingham Youth Theatre is a leading youth company in Birmingham and it’s easy to understand why.