Goldie Frocks and the Bear Mitzvah, JW3 Review
Photo Credit Eamonn B Shanahan Capture with Pride
Written by Bronagh for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
December is well and truly upon us and that means one thing – it’s basically Christmas! With Christmas, comes lots of Christmassy shows. Whether you like a traditional pantomime or a show with elements of our beloved panto, there’s something for everyone. Goldie Frocks and the Bear Mitzvah marks the second year of the country’s only Jewish pantomime, taking place in JW3. JW3 is a Jewish community space, a hive for Jewish culture. So take your seats and be transported to the paw-some world of Goldie Frocks, Mama and Baby Behr and, of course, our villain Calvin Brine.
I will start this by saying that, naturally, there were a lot of in-culture jokes referencing the Torah, Bar Mitzvahs and use of Hebrew and Yiddish. I’m not of the Jewish faith or heritage so I didn’t quite ‘get’ several in-culture jokes. This was not always the case, and some translated easily so I did understand. Not once did not ‘getting’ a joke affect how much I enjoyed the show; the show was clearly enjoyed by the entire audience with roars of laughter throughout.
Goldie Frocks and the Bear Mitzvah was pure enjoyment from start to finish, a total crowd pleaser. All of the music, a lot of crowd favourites performed by the on stage band, are by either performers or composers of Jewish heritage. This ranges from Mark Ronson, to Doja Cat all the way to traditional Jewish folk songs. I really liked how every detail throughout Goldie Frocks was thought through, right down to the music. I do acknowledge that it has been a challenging year for the Jewish community, and bringing together Jewish music, performers and traditions really does give a sense of community that perhaps you don’t see in your average pantomime. Goldie Frocks allows the audience to escape reality for a couple of hours, to enjoy music, lots of laughter and sprinkles of magic.
First of all we meet Morris Bloom (Ian Saville) who has lost his magical powers, yet still manages to make us laugh and amazes us with the magic tricks he performs throughout (seriously, as an adult I was absolutely transfixed!). Saville wowed the audience and added such a spark to the production. Debbie Chazen and Frankie Thompson as Mama and Baby Behr respectively were a very sweet watch, both displaying such comedic genius throughout. Heloise Lowenthal and Simon Yadoo as Goldie Frocks and Calvin Brine were the perfect ‘goodie/baddie’ pair, Goldie Frocks showing defiance against the villainous Calvin Brine and also wanting fairness for all, in a true heartwarming fashion. Lastly, we have the brilliant David Ellis and Yael Elisheva who play workshop workers Maxie Dress and Minnie Skirt as well as taking on other roles throughout seamlessly and effortlessly.
Goldie Frocks and the Bear Mitzvah is everything that you want a pantomime to be. Lots of fun, with hidden jokes tailored for adults, musical numbers that have everything tapping their feet to some light audience participation. Christmas may not be a traditional Jewish holiday, but the cast and creatives have ensured that nobody misses out and can enjoy a truly magical production.
At JW3 until 5 January 2025.
★★★★
