Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Goldilocks and the Three Bears opens at The MAC on 25 November, running through to 1 January 2027 on the Main Stage. It's the venue's Christmas show, and it's a reimagining of the old fairy tale rather than a straight retelling.

The story centres on Baby Bear, a newly adopted cub who arrives at a cosy cottage with a tiny suitcase and one big wish: to belong. Alongside his overexcited grizzly parents, Mummy and Daddy Bear, he stumbles into a series of mishaps while trying to prove he can be truly perfect. As Christmas Eve draws near, the wicked showgirl Goldilocks sweeps into the forest in search of a theatrical sidekick, and Baby Bear is top of her list. It's billed as a heartwarming story about family, friendship and the magic of being yourself, aimed at all ages but especially children aged five and over.

Behind the scenes, it's written by Ciarán Haggerty and directed by Patrick J O'Reilly, with artwork by Shesaid Design. The production is packed with catchy songs, laugh-out-loud moments and a handful of Home Alone-style gags, and it stars Orla Mullan as Goldilocks and Ellen Conway as Baby Bear.

There are a few different ways to catch it. A Friday 4 December performance is a Relaxed Performance, and the shows on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 December are Relaxed, Signed and Audio Described. Tickets range from £17.50 to £33.50 including booking fee, with a standard performance price of £16.00.