“Bright, enthusiastic and fun – a good entry to
the London panto scene”
Goldie Frocks and the Bear Mitzvah was an intriguing entry into the ever-expanding world of the holiday pantomime. Theatres across London are filled with renditions of fairy tale fables and Christmas classics but this unique story introduces audiences to a bit of Jewish culture while maintaining the fun and hilarious panto tradition. While the show dazzles with humour, music, and visual spectacle, there are moments where the pace could use a bit more finesse to truly shine.
The story reimagines the classic Goldilocks tale with a cultural twist: Goldie Frock, a brilliant designer forced to work in a sweatshop, stumbles into the Bear family’s home just as they’re preparing for their cub’s Bear Mitzvah. Hijinks ensue as Goldie disrupts and aids their traditions, leading to a great mix of slapstick, heartfelt moments, and lessons about family, identity, and inclusion.
Along the way, familiar panto tropes such as villains, singalongs, and plenty of audience interaction keep the energy high. One of the standout performances came from Simon Yadoo as Calvin Brine, the villain of the piece. As the cruel owner of the clothing factory, Yadoo, a LAMDA-trained actor, delivered a masterclass in comedic villainy, stealing every scene he appeared in. With a perfect maniacal laugh, sharp timing, and commanding stage presence, Yadoo kept the energy high, and I found myself looking forward to every time he appeared on stage.
The real highlights of the production were its costumes, set, and musical elements. The costumes were bright, big, thoughtfully designed and dazzling, while the expansive set struck a perfect balance between fairy-tale whimsy and cultural specificity. The trio of live musicians brought a begrudging levity to the stage, expertly weaving familiar pop songs with a klezmer twist. Hearing popular music transformed this way injected the production with some much needed familiarity for those unfamiliar with many of the Jewish words and customs. The acting was suitably over-the-top, as every good panto demands, and the story was easy to follow for younger audience members.
The script cleverly poked fun at its own penchant for exposition, keeping it from feeling overly tedious despite a tendency to over-explain. The puns, though enthusiastic, landed with varying degrees of success. While jokes were sharp and plentiful, the show would have benefited from more deliberate pauses to allow punchlines to land and the audience to respond.
Overall, Goldie Frock and the Bear Mitzvah is a fun romp with heart, humour, and flair. Younger audiences will love its themes and characters, while older audiences may be missing a bit of an edge. Its costumes, live music, and inventive adaptations of pop classics are undeniably its strongest assets, brightening the stage and showcasing the production’s creativity. With some adjustments to pacing and a sharper focus on audience engagement, this panto could go from fun to truly unforgettable. As it stands, it’s a solid addition to London’s festive offerings and delivers plenty of laughs, even if it leaves you wishing for just a little more polish in its comedic timing.