Bristol Hippodrome’s Goldilocks and the Three Bears with Brian Conley is the funniest pantomime I’ve ever seen

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With the fake snow blowing outside the Bristol Hippodrome, panto season has definitely arrived in the city.

This year’s show is led by comedy legend Brian Conley as ringmaster Billy Barnum, and it’s jam-packed with jokes from beginning to end.

The story is Goldilocks and the Three Bears, but the circus elements stand out far more than the three 'Brizzle Bears'.

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Highlights include the Magical Mysterio and the spectacular Timbuktu Tumblers, who are unlike anything I’ve seen in a panto before.

Joining the hilarious Brian is X Factor star turned Loose Woman Brenda Edwards as Candyfloss the Circus Singer - whose voice truly is as sweet as candy.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears is showing at Bristol Hippodrome until January 5Goldilocks and the Three Bears is showing at Bristol Hippodrome until January 5
Goldilocks and the Three Bears is showing at Bristol Hippodrome until January 5 | Mark Dawson

Phil Corbitt plays the Evil Ringmaster, encouraging a lot of boos from the kids. David Robbins shines as Dame Betty Barnum, with scenes alongside Brian that are pure comedy gold. Brian’s daughter, Lucy, also plays Goldilocks.

Much of the laughter comes from Brian’s interaction with the audience, where he rightly warns people not to sit near the front if they don’t want to be picked on.

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It’s brilliant when Brian invites a random audience member up on stage for a dance, leaving you to wonder whether these moments are staged due to their seamless execution.

While the show is filled with silly jokes for kids, as expected in a panto, Brian’s delivery makes it the funniest panto I’ve ever seen.

The circus elements stand out far more than the three 'Brizzle Bears'.The circus elements stand out far more than the three 'Brizzle Bears'.
The circus elements stand out far more than the three 'Brizzle Bears'. | Mark Dawson

The set also seems to have had a budget increase this year, featuring dazzling lights and giant animal animatronics.

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There are plenty of sing-along moments too, including the original song ‘Roll Up, Roll Up’.

Overall, this feels like one of the best pantos in years, thanks to the hilarious talent of Brian Conley and an equally brilliant supporting cast.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears runs at the Bristol Hippodrome until Sunday, January 5. For tickets, click here.

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