Alice in Wonderland

Tom Whalley’s pantomime take on Alice in Wonderland has all the well-known characters and storyline together with much added panto humour.  The stage design needs to be quirky and colourful which set Designers Karen Booth and Becky Smith a real challenge as the Vista Academy auditorium is basically a large drama studio with high raked seats and a flat acting area with nothing much in the way of wings.  Anyone lucky enough to see this production will know that this was a challenge well met. The setting was built on two levels (JR Light & Sound) creating entrances for the cast. It was colourful and quirky with many interesting signs, excellent set dressing and props.  

Costumes (by the Cast and members of Littleport Players) were lovely and again colourful. Props (Laura Matthews and Julie Double) were absolutely excellent. That Mad Hatter’s armchair almost came home with me! Make-up (Olha Havrina & Patricia Murray) was very effective. Lighting (Johnny Jarvis and Harrison Martin) was good.  Loved the colourful spinning flowers, designed by James Rose, which denoted magical changes etc.  Sound (Chris Rose and James Rose) was set at a good level and well cued although body mics had a couple of blips. 

Great choice of music for the show and it was nice to hear a live band with MD Mark A.J. Checkley on Keyboard, Kevin Wright on Guitar and Susan White on Drums. Good work from the MD as although vocal talents varied the main ensemble numbers were excellent with even the very youngest member of the cast knowing all the words. Becky Smith’s choreography was well executed and suited the range of abilities.  Here I must compliment the Mad Hatter (Becky Smith) and the Ensemble: India Double, Archie Edwards, Madison Whaley, Gracie Watson, Caitlin White and Olivia Page on the excellent Hatter’s Patter song.  Heaven knows how Becky managed to remember the sequence and well done to the Ensemble as they all managed to hit their mark as their hat was mentioned particularly as the song got faster each time around. A memorable spot in the show.

When Alice meets the White Rabbit she ends up down the rabbit hole on the day of the Queen of Hearts un-birthday party where the wicked Knave is plotting to steal the jam tarts. With the help of the Duchess, a sassy Cheshire Cat and the maddest of Hatters, using the power of imagination Alice helps to save Wonderland.

Without exception all main Principals were first rate. Joanne Branson made a lovely Alice and worked well with Nicole Drury brilliant as the White Rabbit. Jack Barry as the Knave of Hearts made an excellent baddie; Mandy Morrish wonderfully sassy as the Cheshire Cat; Alice Bubb formed a good affinity with the audience as The Duchess; Becky Smith suitably nutty as The Mad Hatter and Chelsea Booth as The Queen of Hearts who, I suspect, will not be able to face a jam tart for a while! The minor principals gave excellent support. Laura Matthews and Lee Anderson favourites with the audience as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, Dennyson Williams suitably green as the Caterpillar who transformed into a beautiful butterfly in time for the finale; The Mad Hatter’s tea party guests Patricia Murray really cute as Dormouse and Jessica Gillett-Woodley lively as the March Hare. Special mention to Megan Wicker charismatic as the Mock Turtle for the great tap dance. The cast was completed by Julie Double and backing singers Darren Hitchings and Laura Fuller.

Many congratulations to Director Karen Booth, her cast and production team for this colourful and humorous production. The audience certainly enjoyed it and so did I.

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