Alice

Framlingham College’s end of term production this year was a ‘play’ version of Alice in Wonderland written by Laura Wade. First performed in 2010 the familiar story has been brought right up to date  with most of the same crazy characters that we know and love.  It centers around Alice, a young girl who wants to escape into a make believe world following the death of her beloved brother in a drink, drive accident; but with this in mind the script has a poignant and emotional message at the end.

It opens with the scene at the funeral wake, which is slightly confusing as we just catch glimpses of conversations from the guests, until Alice can take no more and retires to the comfort of her bedroom. The title role of Alice is played by Bella Elderton who gives a very professional and confident performance with this challenging and wordy role as she tries to understand just what is going on with all these crazy characters.

Emilia Mulert is White Rabbit,  a charming character who is very agile as she escapes down the back of the sofa and later into a large pot of soup with the use of some very good and effective props.  Molly Flack is the Duchess, a totally wacky character as she careers around the stage capturing all the comedy in her role. Martha Wallis is very believable as the iconic Mad Hatter, looking splendid in her costume and top hat.  Lucy Romer-Lee plays the amorous and affectionate Cheshire Cat, a role she obviously adored playing. Michelle Ogunsola takes on the numerous comic roles of the Mock Turtle, the Cook and the Hare and plays them all well. She was partnered with Lottie Bell as Gryphon who was quite adorable.  Harriet Bradbury and Wilf Abbott take the dual roles of both Mum/Queen and Dad/King and make a good team together.  Mention must also go to Eve Murray as Hedgehog as she roles herself into a ball and is knocked head over heels around the croquet pitch and through the hoops which is both humorous and athletic. Also Jack Byrne and Arthur Cook confidently played their comedy roles of Tweedle Dee and Dum.  These and all the supporting actors aged between 14 and 15 years old certainly got thoroughly into their animated characters and all gave lively and enthusiastic performances.  

Director’s Ted and Pip certainly brought out the best in these students who were completely out of their comfort zone, stepping into these make believe characters and there were also couple of well sung and choreographed scenes. The set was simple but effective, with the cast bringing on the props and furniture which was carried out quickly and efficiently and the students also managed the lighting and sound. Costumes as already mentioned, were imaginative and enhanced the production splendidly.

Well done to all the students and team in this comical and enjoyable production.

Catherine Dixey. NODA East Representative District E12

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