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Goldilocks panto to 'bring joy' to Bristol

Bristol Hippodrome Cast members in Goldilocks and the three bears on stage at the Bristol Hippodrome. Two bears are visible in brown bear costumes and goldilocks is wearing a yellow dress. Another character - Candy Floss - is wearing a gold dress. There is a marquee stage set behind them of yellow, red, blue and pink. And a candy floss stand to the right.Bristol Hippodrome
Goldilocks and the Three Bears is showing at the Bristol Hippodrome until 5 January

As pantomime season gets underway, the cast of Goldilocks and the Three Bears says it is looking forward to "bringing joy" to the people of Bristol.

Brenda Edwards, Brian Conley and his daughter, Lucy Conley, star in the show, which has started its five week run at the Bristol Hippodrome and comes to an end on 5 January.

Actress, presenter and singer Ms Edwards said she loves being in pantomime which is about "having fun and bringing joy".

"It's the one time of year you've got a licence to be a little kid," she added.

Brenda Edwards wearing her Candy Floss dress which is gold and glittery with big sleeves. She also has a diamante necklace on and a gold top hat over her brown curly hair. There is a Christmas tree behind her to the right.
Brenda Edwards said panto allows people to takes their mind off any troubles

The pantomime follows Goldilocks' bid to save her circus from an evil rival circus owner, played by Phil Corbitt, with the help of circus friends and the three bears.

Ms Edwards, who plays Candy Floss the circus singer, said being part of panto was good for her.

"Christmas is a bit sombre for me because my parents passed at Christmas and so I try to do something that will lift my spirits up... and everybody else's spirits too," she said.

"It's nice to be able to offer audiences escapism for two hours. They can take their mind off troubles and hopefully come out lighter," she added.

Comedian and actor Brian Conley said it is "great" starring on stage alongside his daughter Lucy.

"We do a lot of comedy together so it was great, we didn't have to rehearse in a studio, we just did it in our lounge," he said.

"She's really good. She couldn't be a better goldilocks. I'm just wondering if we might fall out."

Lucy Conley in a yellow goldilocks dress with diamond detail in red, green and yellow. There is a Christmas tree with red ribbons and gold baubles behind her. Ms Conley is also wearing pink ribbons in her hair.
Lucy Conley said she feels lucky to be working with her dad

Ms Conley said although it sounds cheesy, she feels like her "hero is my dad".

"I just feel very fortunate [to be working with him]," she added.

She wrote two of the songs in the show with friend Adam O'Connor and said she cried when she heard them playing at the theatre for the first time.

"This is the best Christmas of my life," she added.

David Robbins and magician Phil Hitchcock also star in the production which features the Timbuktu Tumblers.

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