Alice in Pantoland

DODS                                             ‘Alice in Pantoland’

Lister Hall, Dursley            Saturday 24th January, 2026

 

Director: Alice Walton    

Choreography: Amy Docherty

Musical Director: Damian Kenny

Stage Manager: Jono Smallridge 

 

 PLEASE NOTE: 

These comments solely reflect the view of the Representative and can only relate to the performance seen.

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that his assessment will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

Report by Donna-Kate Hargreaves, District 16 Representative 

 

This year is shaping up to be a year of firsts: it was my first panto of the year, my first time visiting Dursley, and my first time attending a DODS production. What a wonderfully warm welcome we received from the whole team! My friend and I felt thoroughly spoilt. It was a lovely touch to have the opportunity to share a drink with the creative team during the interval and to see their passion for the show firsthand. As reps, we don’t often get the chance to meet everyone properly, so this was a particularly special gesture.

 

I was amazed at the size of Lister Hall — a complete TARDIS of a room! The whole space was filled with an incredible atmosphere, perhaps helped by the excitement over the sheer number of brownies on offer. I loved the warm-up before the show, getting the crowd involved with the party dances. It was great to feel comfortable knowing that we were encouraged to heckle along — exactly how a panto should be. I also enjoyed seeing the band get involved, including the MD, who wore a playing-card T-shirt! I’m always partial to a band that includes a nod to costume, as they truly become part of the performance. We were also greeted by a giant Great Western Air Ambulance bear — it was clear which charity was being supported, and it was lovely to see so many excited children (and adults!) meeting the mascot. A thoughtful and charming touch.

 

I had the chance to look through a lovely programme and really appreciated being able to put a face to every name — something many productions don’t manage to do. It was a high-quality programme with beautiful artistry and clear, easy-to-read information. I did notice, however, that a synopsis and a breakdown of the songs (with credits) were missing — these are always things I look for. As a side note, if you enter the programme competition, these elements are part of the criteria, and it would be a shame to lose marks unnecessarily. I also noted that there were no adverts in the programme aside from the dance school involved, which was quite refreshing. While I understand that adverts bring in extra revenue, it was nice to read a programme entirely focused on the company. Well, done, Catherine, on a fantastic job!

 

Setting

The flats looked custom-built for this production, and I loved the LED strips running along every edge. While this design choice wouldn’t suit every show, for panto it was a fantastic touch. Lighting is often underestimated in pantomime, but here it played an important role, enhancing the production throughout without ever feeling overpowering.

The trapdoor was used brilliantly — well done to director Alice and set designer Sarah for utilising it so effectively. I imagine this was a design risk until you were able to fully work within the space, but it paid off beautifully. Decorating the trapdoor was a clever choice and helped enormously in creating the illusion that Alice had genuinely fallen down the rabbit hole. I also loved the oversized flowers in the Peter Pan scene, which added another layer of visual magic.

Elsewhere, the setting was simple but effective, supporting the story clearly and allowing the performers to shine without distraction. The props weren’t extensive, but they were suitable, well made, and used effectively to enhance the action on stage.

 

Sound

There were some microphone issues on the performance I attended, but considering the challenge you were facing — numerous radio mics, a live band, and a large, echoey space — you did a great job. While there were moments of mic feed or brief technical issues, it was a testament to the sound team how quickly these were addressed and how well-judged your decisions were. I would always prefer a short period without microphones rather than risking feedback, so many of those choices were absolutely the right ones.

At times the clarity of sound wasn’t quite as strong, but overall this was a very solid achievement given the complexity of the task. The minor issues never detracted from my enjoyment of the show.

 

Lighting

There was some great, colourful lighting throughout the production. I particularly loved the snap to pink every time the Cheshire Cat made an appearance — panto is such a great opportunity to have fun with lighting, and you embraced that. There was also a nice use of gobos and flys in the woodland scene, which helped create atmosphere and location clearly.

I would have liked a little more light on the Tweedle’s, Alice, and Jack when they were in the audience, as I lost them slightly at times, though this may have been a limitation of the venue.

 

Costume, Hair & Makeup

A great job across costume, hair, and makeup. It was especially lovely to see hair kept out of performers’ faces, which made such a difference, particularly with so many children on stage — allowing their expressions to shine and making them more visible to the audience. I really appreciated the attention to detail throughout; every costume was bright, characterful, and thoughtfully designed for each role. I also loved the transition to the sparkly costumes for the finale — a fun, eye-catching touch that added excitement. I found myself noting multiple times in my notebook just how impressive the costumes were!

 

Then we were off and headed to panto land! I loved the overture (in fact both the beginning of act 1 and 2). Damian did a lovely job of entwining all act numbers into an instrumental medley. We were playing name that tune all the way through.

 

Cast

Alice – Catherine

Excellent communication with the audience from the very start, with a strong awareness of both the space and the performers around you. You handled the stage confidently and were always clearly connected to the action, never losing focus on your fellow actors. Your diction was superb throughout — I would love to see you tackle Shakespeare one day, as your eloquence and clarity would suit the demands of iambic pentameter beautifully.

Your singing was handled with great skill, and what stood out most was your commitment to character within the music. Rather than performing the songs as standalone numbers or leaning into a pop-style delivery (a common pitfall), you allowed the music to serve the storytelling. You sang exactly as the character Alice would, which is a difficult balance to achieve and was done with great success.

 

Jack – Vicky

A great principal boy role, which you handled with confidence and control. Your performance was well measured — you never overdid the comedy, allowing moments to breathe and the delivery to feel natural. You maintained strong stage presence and good energy throughout, with clear communication to the audience and a likeable, heroic quality. You worked well with your fellow performers, supporting scenes without overpowering them, which is key in a role like this.

 

Cheshire Cat – Pheobe 

Great timing with the rhyming couplets — you handled these confidently and with clear precision. I really liked the sing-song quality you brought to the delivery, which added to the character’s charm and helped the text land effectively. Your mannerisms and cat-like physicality were well observed and consistent throughout, creating a strong and playful character.

 

White Rabbit – Sarah

A lovely, endearing performance with clear characterisation throughout. Your energy and charm made the character instantly likeable and well done for never losing your ears — no small feat in such an energetic production!

 

Wolf – Jimi  & Red Riding Hood – Roxanne 

Great work with the Wolf mask, Jimi — you created a clear and engaging character despite having very few lines, which is no easy task. Your physicality and reactions carried much of the storytelling, and I genuinely felt sympathy for you when Alice told you off and put you in time out! Roxanne, as Red Riding Hood, complemented this dynamic beautifully. You didn’t overplay the role, which is something that can easily happen with this character, and your charm and energy felt natural and engaging. Both of you worked effectively as a pair, creating entertaining moments on stage.

 

Queen of Hearts – Sam

Well done, Sam, on what I believe is your first time taking on a Dame role! This is such an iconic character to portray, and you approached it with real confidence, energy, and commitment. You brought a modern edge to the role while still fully embracing the traditional elements of panto Dame performance, which worked extremely well.

With the added challenge of also playing the ‘baddie’, you successfully balanced being a loveable villain with the demands of the Dame, keeping the character engaging and audience-friendly throughout. You’re timing and connection with the audience were strong, and it was clear how much you were enjoying the role. I really hope you enjoyed your first Dame-hood — you certainly looked like you did, and it made for a memorable and confident debut.

 

King of Hearts – Alan

I thought you handled the role of the submissive king very well, providing a lovely contrast to the larger-than-life presence of your Dame wife! You were very likeable, and as an audience member I genuinely felt sympathy for you. I was truly pleased for you when the Queen got her comeuppance — it made your character’s journey all the more satisfying to watch.

 

Dormouse – Katie 

A lovely performance, and I especially enjoyed your interactions with the Mad Hatter. You were both constantly in character, even in the background, which added depth and energy to the scenes. While you didn’t have the most lines, you delivered them with clarity and excellent pace, making each moment count.

 

Tweedle Dum and Dee – Tasker & James

I had to put you two together — why would I split you up! Great partner work! You had excellent chemistry on stage, working seamlessly together and clearly enjoying the playful dynamic between your characters. You handled the community song at the end well, engaging the audience and keeping the energy high. I particularly loved the moment with the sweets being thrown into the audience — a classic panto touch, delivered with charm and perfect timing. Just be mindful not to hit anyone too hard with the sweets! Occasionally, some of the dialogue was a little tricky to catch, so taking a moment to slow down certain lines would help ensure everything is clear. Overall, it was a fun, energetic, and thoroughly entertaining performance! 

 

Cinderella – Beatrice & Cinderella’s Prince – Hetty
A lovely pairing! Both of you had great stage presence and worked well together, bringing warmth and charm to your scenes. Your timing and interactions felt natural, and you supported each other effectively throughout the performance.

 

Peter Pan – Aaron & TinkerBell – Elizabeth
A strong and dynamic duo! Aaron, you brought energy and confidence to Peter Pan, and Elizabeth, your TinkerBell was lively, engaging, and full of character. Together, you created a wonderful chemistry that added sparkle and excitement to your scenes.

 

Note: While these roles often take a much larger principal part in panto, all four of you successfully showcased the essence of these iconic characters within a relatively short amount of stage time, delivering clear, engaging, and enjoyable performances.

 

Pinocchio – Hermionie

I noticed you the minute you entered on your ensemble track — your energy and smile were absolutely infectious! It was wonderful to see you take on a larger role in the second half, and you handled it with confidence and charm. You even managed the growing nose with great timing and commitment, which added to the fun of your performance. A very engaging and delightful presence on stage — I can’t wait to see how you progress over the next couple of years!

 

Mad Hatter – Branden

I did a double take when you entered — from my view, you looked like Timothée Chalamet in Wonka! This look suited the Mad Hatter perfectly, giving the character a fresh, modern edge while still capturing the whimsical, playful spirit of the role. Your diction and characterisation were consistently strong, and I loved that you stayed fully in character even when not delivering lines. Your reactions and attention to detail added depth, showing you were fully engaged on stage at all times. You brought energy, charm, and a touch of unpredictability

 

Harriet – Claire

An endearing and charming performance. At times you were a little quiet, and some lines were delivered facing the other characters rather than the audience. Focusing on facing the audience a little more when speaking will help ensure your words are fully heard and your character’s personality shines through. Despite this, your warmth and commitment to the role made it a very lovely performance overall.

 

Ensemble

You did a fabulous job reacting to everything happening on stage. I particularly enjoyed the choreographed fall when the White Rabbit joined the red party — a clever and well-timed moment. The opening waves to the audience instantly broke the fourth wall, and throughout the show there was plenty of energy and smiles, which really brought the performance to life. A special mention (and apologies for not knowing your name) to the gentleman mime with the ‘Clap’ sign — you were brilliant! It was clear that everyone was having fun, which is exactly what panto should be. A big shout-out also to the dance group performing Count On Me — a fantastic job! I hope next time we get to see even more of you all on stage.

 

Direction (and script writing)

Great work throughout in using the space effectively and clearly establishing the different locations. Each character was well directed and very distinguishable, and the script flowed smoothly — I really enjoyed the story. I particularly liked the way you played with traditional panto conventions, such as the Cheshire Cat acting as the fairy and the Dame being the baddie; these choices worked extremely well and felt fresh. From where I was seated, there were a few moments where some performers were slightly blocked from view, so being mindful of sightlines in group scenes would help ensure all the action is visible to the entire audience.

If I were being picky, there were moments where the stage picture felt a little static — giving the ensemble more purpose in these moments could elevate the overall visual storytelling. I loved the Traitors reference, and the shadow scene was one of my favourites. Making that moment so clear would have been challenging, but your collaboration with the lighting designer paid off brilliantly. The shadows were instantly recognisable and genuinely funny, and the scene made me laugh out loud.

Scene changes were beautifully handled and seamlessly covered by the band with play-offs and underscoring, keeping the energy flowing throughout the production.

 

Choreography

The choreography was simple but effective throughout and well suited to the abilities of the cast. It was clearly rehearsed, making it easy to follow and enjoyable to watch, and it served the storytelling well while keeping the stage picture clear and engaging. The work was particularly strong with the younger dancers — while the more confident performers were highlighted, no one ever felt overlooked or pushed to the back. I would have liked a little more energy in Shut Up and Dance with Me, as it’s such a punchy, high-impact number and offered a great opportunity to lift the energy on stage even further.

 

Music

The band played very well throughout the performance. Without information in the programme, I am assuming that you arranged all the numbers — if so, you did a great job with both the instrumentation and the harmonies. I thought the song choices worked well for the show, and I was especially pleased to see Shut Up and Dance, as it’s my favourite song ever! Occasionally, I couldn’t hear the ensemble harmonies as clearly, but overall, the musical performance was strong and added a lot to the enjoyment of the production.

 

A special note must go to seeing a stage manager listed in the creative team credits. Often in our world, stage managers only appear at the last minute to ‘run’ the show, but their role is far more valuable than that. The smooth flow and clean running of your production is a testament to the entire creative team, and having a stage manager involved from the start clearly made a difference. Their early involvement can help alleviate extra stress during get-in, sitzprobe, tech, and dress rehearsals, as they are able to anticipate potential issues and almost resolve them before they become a problem. It was wonderful to see their contribution recognised as an integral part of the creative process.

 

Overall, thank you for such warm hospitality and for a truly enjoyable afternoon in Dursley. One of my favourite aspects of being a rep is the opportunity to build relationships with other companies, and it was a real pleasure to experience the passion and dedication of your team firsthand. From the friendly welcome to the chance to chat with the creative team during the interval, everything made the visit feel special. I hope that we can continue to learn from and grow alongside each other, and I’m grateful for such a memorable and enjoyable experience!

 

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