Alice in Wonderland

Taking full advantage of Tracy Rogers` superb script packed full of funny one liners and very witty scenarios, the Watsons have delivered a real winner in this presentation.  Every one of Lewis Carroll`s lovable characters turn up and every one of the admirable cast deserve great credit for their portrayals. 

Danni Stringer, as our heroine Alice, delivered a delightful performance with a good stage presence and lovely singing voice.  Mik Horvath with a barn storming showing as Nora Knowitall was outstanding, maintaining his hilarious contact with the audience throughout.  A real class act.   I liked the humorous repartee put downs from company stalwarts Angela Swift as The Queen of Hearts, and Patricia Church as The Duchess, perfect timing. Matching them in competence was Wayne Perry, always coming up with eccentric inventions as The King of Hearts.

Very impressive acts came from Ciara Beighton as the panto villain The Joker, very loud and aggressive designed to get the audience to respond accordingly.  Her reluctant collaborator, Mr Rules, was admirably performed by Gary Rowley, with droll comments from his rule book adding greatly to the humour.  The White Rabbit and Bunty Bunny, played by Sean Beeston and Sue Woolley impressed with their hectic nonstop antics.  A hilarious over the top fruit cake spectacle came from Jake Perry as The Mad Hatter, a first rate loopy display.

Other effective acts came from Ellie Mallinson as the delightful Cheshire Cat, Regina Repton at the loveable March Hare, Jack Woolley and Lauren Wells as Tweedledum and Tweedledee, and Dormouse sleepily played by Veronica Jones.  Great praise also to the rest of the cast who contributed immensely to the success of this pantomime.

Karen Jones and Yvonne Baird deserve an accolade on their debut direction of the excellent cast, and Sharon Stringer`s choreography was most effective.  Jordan Baird led a very competent band, adding to the overall impact of the production. 

A proficient set, designed by John Woolley and Brian Hartsorn, and made by them and members of the company, was complimented by good lighting, created by Lee Hartsorn.  The sound, provided by the Landau Forte Technical Staff was excellent.

The icing on the cake were the costumes, colourful and perfectly right for the characters, they were superb. Congratulations to Patricia Church and her team for a spectacular display.

Everything a pantomime should be, well done Watsons

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