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Alice In Wonderland

Author: Hazel Hole

Information

Date
2nd February 2024
Society
Clacton Musical Theatre Society
Venue
The Westcliff Theatre Clacton On Sea
Type of Production
Pantomime
Director
Steve Salmon
Musical Director
Rebecca Mason
Choreographer
Katie Barnett
Assistant Director
Sam McCarthy

                             

I was met on arrival by Chairwoman Julia Clarke and met the Director Steve Salmon after the performance. To set the scene a large clock and 2 large playing cards were positioned at the front of the stage. There was a tremendous introduction to the Rabbit Hole with White Rabbit, and Alice depicted tumbling down. Very clever projection ! Most of the scene changes were projected to the rear screen with good use of props moved slickly on and off the stage. I must mention the magnificent toadstools ( Kerry Meadows) which provided suitable hiding places for the actors !

This performance achieved high audience participation with the enthusiastic audience booing, hissing, cheering etc throughout and a great atmosphere was created.

Ashlea Moore played Wally the White Rabbit, constantly bouncing onto the stage and checking the time. Teegan  Deeks was  a fairly traditional Alice with a lovely singing voice. Peter Norfolk was outrageous and flamboyant as a perfect Dame,  Duchess Dolly. His many costumes were certainly “over the top” as befitting the role. Katie Johnson, as the Queen of Hearts was the baddie, always looking for tarts to eat and she constantly shouted and screamed at anyone suspected of stealing the tarts. She was outstanding in One Way or Another with her loud and compelling voice. Very well cast and just right for the part. Douglas Garner as her husband, the King of Hearts was so meek and mild mannered in comparison, following the Queen around, trying to calm her and supply her with tarts.

Scarlet Collinson was a first class Knave of Hearts and displayed great talent in the Courtroom scene when accused of stealing the Queen’s tarts. Tweedle Dee and Tweddle Dum ( Bailey Boyce and Tom Hume-Steer)were the comedy duo with endless energy and some fabulous facial expressions and contortions. Great fun !

Sam McCarthy played the Mad Hatter constantly on the move and tackled his solo with great feeling. His makeup was exceptional!

I  enjoyed the 12 Days of Wonderland song sung at great speed by Mad Hatter, Duchess Dolly,  White Rabbit and Alice.

Alexandra Hooker was a slinky and graceful Cheshire Cat and Phoebe Wiggett a very believable March Hare whilst Lynne Farlie was obviously enjoying her role as a slimy Caterpillar. Jade Kennedy as Dodo, Rachel Woods as Duck and Ziggy Webster-Earle as both Dormouse and Young March Hare all had small but important roles in Wonderland.

The Wonderland Ensemble all had niche parts and were also members of the Queens Guard under the watchful eyes of the Top Guards, Jackie Stevens and Steve Church.

The group of Wonderland dancers, who were members of the Queens Guard and also played animals, were well rehearsed, had some energetic and unusual routines, danced enthusiastically and were well coordinated thanks to choreographer Katie Barnett.

Throughout the panto  the wigs, makeup and costumes were extremely effective and very appropriate for the characters.

There was a good selection of musical numbers skilfully directed by Musical Director Rebecca Mason and well delivered. I congratulate Director Steve Salmon for his innovative approach and his ability to bring out the best in the cast. Well done everyone.

I thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

And, I loved seeing the credits roll at the end. Very effective

 

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