An all-singing, all-dancing journey through London's Jewish East End that’ll enthrall all ages

Playwright Nick Cassenbaum presents JW3’s second annual family-friendly Jewish pantomime, putting a Yiddish twist on the classic story of Goldilocks. I was joined by my six-year-old son Taylor, watching seamstress Goldie Frocks (played by Heloise Lowenthal) on a mission to save Baby Behr (Frankie Thompson) from the hands of evil fashion designer Calvin Brine (Simon Yadoo). This all happens in the lead up to Baby’s 'bear mitzvah', planned by the neurotic Mama Behr (Dame Debbie Chazen) with help from Rabbi Drake (David Ellis), who is a duck, naturally.

First, we meet Morris Bloom (magician Ian Saville), the self-professed 'Spirit of the East End', who acts as a buffer between cast and crowd. His mediocre magic – a huge contrast to Saville’s actual skill – mesmerises the little ’uns and his use of Yiddish-isms evoke a feeling of nostalgia. This, combined with his constant back-and-forth with children in the audience, fast making him Taylor’s favourite character. “He asked me to give him the name of a magic spell," he says, "and then he used it to save Baby Behr, it was so cool!”

There’s also a live band, on show in every scene except when the cast is waiting for a train, before being chased by zombies (a madcap scenario that kept Taylor talking about it long after the production was over). The klezmer trio comprises of accordionist Josh Middleton alongside clarinettist Dr Daniel Gouly and percussionist Christina Borgenstierna. The minimal but multi-level set and handful of actors (just seven) is all that’s needed to make a hefty impact under the skilled direction of Abigail Anderson.

Along the way, exploited workers Maxie Dress (also Ellis) and Minnie Skirt (Yael Elisheva) portray the hardship of working in Brine’s factory with Frocks – though there's still time for flamboyance and twerking. However, the main event is Mama Behr’s grand entrance. With her immense stage presence and impeccable delivery, Chazen portrays the stereotypical Jewish mother to a tee, with the added frenzy of planning a simcha (celebration). Mama’s brazen and outspoken nature is the driving force behind the production, and I don’t think Taylor will stop shouting her line “I just did a pishke in my knickshes!” for a long while. Her puns and double entendres were met with belly laughs from those watching.

Baby, a naive but loveable bear who can’t quite nail his Torah portion, discovers Goldie asleep in his bed when he and Mama return home from shopping and it’s love at first sight. She offers to help him with his studying and even endears herself to Mama Behr. The threesome tick all of the pantomime boxes, including a messy slosh scene (think custard everywhere).

The music boasts reimagined cult classics, including 'YMCA' (turned into 'RSVP') and 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' (now 'Total Complete Mishegas'), enhancing the chaotic nature of the show. The bold colours and statement costumes – such as Mama’s salt beef bagel dress, complete with gherkins hiding her modesty – are the camp accompaniments you'd expect in a panto. Taylor's favourite costume was Goldie's, because “it was bright and colourful, but it showed that she had to work really hard”.

Of course, there’s the obligatory audience participation, featuring boos, hisses and exclamations of “he’s behind you!” and “oh no he isn’t!”. The energy in the room is electric; every face lit up with a child-like joy. At a time when the Jewish community needs some light-hearted nachas (joy), Goldie Frocks and the Bear Mitzvah provides the perfect opportunity to don some bear ears and unleash your silly side.

By Dani Silver

Photos by Eamonn B Shanahan

Goldie Frocks and the Bear Mitzvah runs until Sunday 8 January. Times vary. From £26 adults, from £16 children. JW3, NW3 6ET. jw3.org.uk/panto

Listen to our interview with Frankie Thompson, aka Baby Behr, on JR Outloud.