Film & Theatre, Reviews | Posted on January 5th, 2026 | return to news

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Made to Measure Productions, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne

By Marilyn Barber

From the very first minute until the end, this panto filled the theatre with superlative entertainment for all ages.

With the innovative setting of a circus, there was spectacle, colour, exuberant characters and a whole lot of fun.

And to verify that it wasn’t just my opinion, the friend who accompanied me — who hadn’t been to a panto for many years but had heard of the reputation of the Tivoli Theatre’s one — enjoyed every single minute.

Running from 12 December until 3 January, it was devised and staged by Lee Redwood, who has created the pantos at the Tivoli for the past eight years. Playing the role of Joey the Clown, Lee with his endearing and fun personality wasn’t just the ‘children’s friend’, he got the adults on his side too.

Interacting brilliantly with Lee was Lucia Jade Parker making a very welcome return to the Tivoli panto as Goldilocks. A highly skilled actress and singer, she too was so good at engaging with the audience.

It was Courtney Jackson’s seventh consecutive year in the Tivoli panto as the dame — in this case Betty Barnum, the owner of a struggling circus. A semi-finalist in an eight-person troupe of panto dames in ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, Courtney is clearly one of the best dames in the country: endearing, humorous, and rather a good dancer.

The audience were quick to boo at Paul Hill’s portrayal of the nasty Baron Ronald von Tinklebottom and to be wooed by the endearing three bears: Jo Michaels-Barrington as Mummy Bear, Jack Everson as Daddy Bear and Katie Mitton as Baby Bear.

The production was further enhanced by the talented ensemble of Lianha Cooke, Gemma Davis (the choreographer), Chloe Davies, Olly Gooch, Erin Harrison, Thomas Marc Toombs, Finlay Tozer and Richard Womersley.

People travel from far and wide to the Tivoli panto, and it is easy to see why.

And just so you don’t miss it, tickets are already on sale for this year’s panto ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ which will run from 12 December until 3 January.