Upstairs at the Lemon Tree, Goldilocks (Christie Mitchell) is giving a masterclass on sneaking into other people's houses.
Some very giggly under-sevens are trying to tip-toe quietly, because we too are going to be doing some sneaking. We're going to be visiting the scene of Goldilocks's infamous nursery crime: the Bears' House where porridge was stolen, a chair was vandalised and a bed was illegally slept in.
Oooh, but she's a bad 'un, for all her pretty ways. Now, she's bent on another house call – and this is where the SYT production triumphs. It makes the story into a journey where we crowd into the cosy, Christmassy home of Mother Bear (Michelle Bruce) and Baby Bear (Martin Quinn), before taking another step – through a shimmery curtain – into a winter wonderland of glistening white trees and soft white floor covering. This is where Daddy Bear tends the magic reindeer for You-Know-Who's sled. They've gone to Lapland, but Mummy and Baby make us welcome and play joining-in games with us that include a session of porridge-making.
But who's that hiding under the table? Yup, it's Goldilocks, protesting that she's only here to make amends. Generous-hearted Mummy Bear is all for reconciliation, but Baby Bear harbours grudges and a guilty conscience – there should be a choccy bar behind a certain door on the advent calendar, but somebody's scoffed it ... So when we all get back from the Snow Garden to find the Bears' home trashed like before, who's not to believe it was Goldilocks?
Fraser MacLeod's twist on the tale works a treat, actively drawing the tinies into sorting out the truth. Baby Bear is encouraged to be contrite, Goldilocks proves a good egg, forgiveness is all-embracing like a hug of goodwill, and SYT lets the magic of live theatre sneak up on everyone.
Too Many Penguins? had already established its high-end credentials last year at the MacRobert Centre, and subsequently with the 2012 CATS award for best children's show. The Frozen Charlotte team has done some tweaking since, but the piece retains every charming quirk and jolly sight gag. A re-cast polar bear, Mr Polaro (Joe Douglas), says more now but basically his pukka, reclusive lifestyle is still humourously conveyed through body language, facial expression and a fondness for things to stay just so. The irrepressible Nicola Jo Cully, all rapid "parlare" chatter and genial chivvying, returns as Penguina as do the cast of wee cuddly penguins who invade Mr Polaro's home and heart. They pop out from the most unlikely places, much to the glee of wee ones who, at the end, get their mitts on the toys. But, like all good Traverse-goers should, they give the props back at the end.
HHHH
HHHH
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article