Local actor Chris Robinson is getting ready to bring some festive fun to the stage this Christmas, taking on the role of Daddy Bear in the MAC’s upcoming production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
From 25 November 2026 to 1 January 2027, audiences are invited to step into a magical wintery woodland for an enchanting new festive production. Packed with original music, festive fun and plenty of laugh-out-loud chaos, this year’s Christmas show combines big-hearted storytelling with all the magic, mischief and wonder audiences have come to expect from Christmas at the MAC.
Chris is joined by Ellen Conway as Baby Bear, Orla Mullan as Goldilocks, Meabh Quinn as Mummy Bear and Annie Chadwick as Red Riding Hood with Sean O’Neill completing the cast.
A family favourite for generations, Goldilocks and the Three Bears has been given a fresh new twist by acclaimed Northern Irish playwright Ciarán Haggerty and director Patrick J O’Reilly.
Baby Bear, the newly adopted cub at the heart of the story, arrives at his new forest home with a tiny suitcase and one big wish: to belong. Eager to impress his new family, Baby Bear finds himself at the heart of a series of hilarious mishaps as he tries to prove he can be the perfectly behaved cub. But when the fabulous, and very wicked, showgirl Goldilocks arrives in search of a new theatrical sidekick, Baby Bear quickly finds himself facing an unexpected choice.
Speaking about the production, Head of Live Programming at the MAC, Julie Stewart said:
“Everyone thinks they know the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, but we’ve had great fun turning expectations upside down and creating something full of laughter, heart and Christmas magic. Whether you’re five or ninety-five, there’s something in this show for everyone. It has all the ingredients for a brilliant festive family trip, from big songs and bigger laughs to moments that will stay with audiences long after they leave the theatre.”
The magic doesn’t stop when the curtain comes down, with the MAC helping to spread some festive cheer beyond the stage this Christmas.
Through a partnership with fonaCAB, funding will be available for schools to help cover the cost of transport to and from the theatre, removing one of the biggest barriers to attending and helping more children enjoy an unforgettable trip to the show this Christmas.
Families attending the show, or just visiting the MAC this Christmas, are also encouraged to bring along a new teddy bear and the MAC will ensure their donated teddy makes its way to the Cash for Kids Mission Christmas charity appeal, supporting children and families across Northern Ireland and helping ensure a little Christmas magic reaches far beyond the theatre doors.
Whether Christmas at the MAC is already part of your family’s festive traditions or you’re looking to start a brand-new one, Goldilocks and the Three Bears promises a fun-filled festive adventure that’s warm, funny and, most importantly, ‘just right’.
For tickets and further information, visit the MAC’s Goldilocks and the Three Bears event page.
