Goldilocks Milton Keynes Theatre Review
A bear-illiant big-top triumph that is truly unmissable
Last night Milton Keynes Theatre wasn’t just twinkling with excitement, it was bursting with big-top brilliance. Goldilocks and the Three Bears Milton Keynes panto swept into the spotlight in spectacular style for a gloriously silly, sparkle splattered pantomime that proves Christmas really is the most theatrical time of year.
In true fairytale fashion, this dazzling production gets it absolutely Just Right, masterfully balancing heart, hilarity, jaw-dropping spectacle and delightfully daft mayhem under one magical tent.
The story follows Barnum’s Circus which is under threat from a dastardly rival ringmaster. With the help of their madcap ensemble of performers, they battle to protect their beloved Big Top and just when all hope seems lost, three brilliant bears bound in to help save the day.
Lucy Conley’s beaming Goldilocks adds warmth, confidence and cheeky sparkle in equal measure, a true fairytale heroine with centre-stage charisma.
Meanwhile, David Robbins‘ Dame Betty Barnum storms the spotlight in a riot of towering wigs and outrageously fabulous frocks – each entrance greeted with wardrobe wonders more extravagant than the last – accompanied by a glitter blizzard of cheeky one-liners.
Gary Milner‘s hissing delicious Baron Von Blackheart revels in villainy with theatrical relish, racking up delighted boos at every turn, while Phil Hitchcock‘s Magical Mysterioso literally sets the circus swirl alight with eye-popping illusion, sparks and “how-on-earth-did-they-do-that” moments that leave jaws on the floor.
The gravity-defying Timbuktu Tumblers supply breathtaking acrobatics and add that perfect circus tricks magic.
Special bear hugs go to the superb trio portraying the Three Bears – Joshua Lay, Lauren Bimson and Charlotte Pourret – whose brilliantly bonkers physical comedy lands every perfectly timed tumble and chaotic caper to perfection.
From high-energy slapstick skirmishes to audience participation that turns the crowd into honourary circus performers, the show gallops along with irrepressible momentum. The jokes come thick and fast, from perfectly dreadful groan inducers to outrageously saucy adult gags that had parents laughing even louder than their children.
Beautiful musical numbers backed by a joyful live orchestra add show stopping shimmer to the spectacle. Add in stunning visuals, magnificent staging, outrageously amazing costumes, brilliantly inventive sets, show stopping effects and a cast and crew clearly conjuring magic at every turn, you have nothing short of a staggeringly phenomenal Goldilocks and the Three Bears Milton Keynes Theatre production.
Add in “guest appearances” from a rock ‘n’ roll legend and TV superstars and honestly… what more could you possibly wish for?
Perfect for ages five to ninety-five (and anyone young at heart), this is the kind of show that melts away adulthood completely with audiences shrieking warnings, clapping along and laughing far louder than is strictly decorous.
Milton Keynes Panto: Goldilocks and the Three Bears is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 11th January 2026. Tickets are available from £15.00 (+ £3.95 transaction fee), General bookings: 0844 871 7615, Access bookings:0333 009 5399, Group bookings:0207 206 1174 or online.
Goldilocks at Milton Keynes Theatre Review, by:
I’m a proud MK resident of over 46 years watching it grow from a new town to a bustling business, social and cultural city.
I work in the NHS and enjoy an eclectic social life exploring everything Milton Keynes has in the diary.
