Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland, written by Brainerd Duffield and based on Lewis Carroll’s beloved story, brings Alice’s adventures to life in a way that captures the charm and cleverness of the original tale. Alice’s plunge down the rabbit hole leads her into a world of madcap encounters and playful absurdity, making it a wonderful experience for both children and adults. Duffield’s adaptation stays true to the spirit of Carroll’s work, offering a blend of humour and fantasy that is as entertaining as it is timeless.

The production was impressively costumed, with characters like Alice, the White Rabbit, the Duchess, and the Queen of Hearts instantly recognizable. The costumes for the animal characters were also thoughtfully designed. The bright, well-crafted outfits brought each character vividly to life on stage, enhancing the magical feel of the performance.

The set design was equally effective, cleverly adapting from one scene to the next. I particularly enjoyed the turning background as Alice went down the rabbit hole - it was beautifully painted and added a magical touch to her descent. The lighting added the perfect finishing touch, enhancing the atmosphere and immersing the audience fully in the wonderful world of Wonderland.

The music was provided digitally, and Musical Director Willow Ryerson had clearly taught the songs well, as the cast sang with great enthusiasm. The soloists were tuneful, had excellent diction, and used the microphones effectively. Choreographer Kayley Docherty created engaging routines that the cast performed with energy and enjoyment, adding to the lively atmosphere of the production.

Alice delivered an outstanding performance, showcasing remarkable stage presence and commitment. She stayed completely in character from beginning to end, bringing depth and authenticity to her role. Her diction was clear and precise, and her mannerisms were perfection, capturing every nuance of Alice’s personality. Despite the sheer volume of lines and complex scenes, she made it all look effortless. This truly was a first-class performance - Be ever so proud!

The White Rabbit’s portrayal was perfectly frantic, energetic and always on the move, capturing every bit of the character’s nervous energy. Every attribute was spot on, making for a highly enjoyable and totally believable performance.

The Queen of Hearts truly commanded the stage! From the start, she was imperious and fully in control, capturing the character’s haughtiness with perfect foot-stamping impatience and regal flounces. And that singing voice! The rich, smooth, soulful tone was a wonderful surprise, adding even more depth to an already captivating performance.

The Mouse was absolutely delightful - cute, gentle, and wonderfully endearing! The poetry was delivered word-perfect, adding charm to the character, and the swimming in the pool of tears scene was a joy to watch.

The Caterpillar was a standout! From the fantastic entrance to the excellent accent and expressive facial features, every detail was spot on. It was a naturally gifted and charismatic performance, full of personality and charm. The bubble pipe was a brilliant touch - I loved it!

The Fish and Frog Footmen were performed well. Though smaller roles, they added essential context and depth to the show. Both actors brought clear character and purpose to their parts, making a valuable contribution to the overall success of the show.

The Duchess delivered a truly regal performance. Effortlessly shifting from moments of intense fury to surprising bursts of affection, capturing the complexity and unpredictability of the character. Each scene was full of life, and her presence brought an engaging energy to the story.

The Cheshire Cat was confidently and enigmatically portrayed, capturing the character’s mysterious and playful nature perfectly. With a mischievous grin that never wavered, the performance kept the audience guessing, embodying the Cat’s sly, elusive charm.

The Mad Hatter’s performance was a captivating blend of whimsy and charm, setting the tone right from the moment he stepped on stage. His rendition of ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’ was both engaging and entirely in character, bringing a unique twist that fully embraced the Hatter’s ‘mad’ and playful spirit. His commitment to the character shone through in every gesture and line. Fabulous memorable performance!

The March Hare’s performance was a wonderful blend of steadiness and confidence, providing the perfect balance to the Mad Hatter’s wild eccentricity. With a calm presence, the March Hare added depth to their scenes, making their interactions more engaging. A well-matched and effective pairing!

The Dormouse was absolutely adorable - super cute and completely huggable! The sleepy, well-spoken delivery was spot-on, and the singing was beautiful, adding a lovely touch to the character. A delightful performance!

The Gryphon was skilfully portrayed, with clear and concise diction that brought the character’s lines to life. The precision in delivery added strength to the role, capturing the Gryphon’s unique personality and making every word impactful.

The Mock Turtle was one of my favourite characters of the show. His slow, gentle voice and heartfelt delivery of wise words brought a touching sincerity to the role, making him incredibly endearing. He melted my heart, especially during the “Beautiful Soup” song, which he sang with confidence and in perfect character. Well Done!

The King of Hearts was perfectly paired with his sassy, spoiled Queen. His performance brought a calm yet commanding presence that balanced her fiery personality, embodying all the qualities one would expect in a king. He delivered his role with quiet strength and dignity, adding depth to his character.

The Red Queen was a captivating presence on stage - an intriguing character brought to life with charisma and precision. Her lovely, clear diction made every line impactful, drawing the audience into her world. I was completely hooked by her commanding personality and charm. The running on the spot, which is no easy feat to pull off, was executed with remarkable ease and professionalism. Excellent Work!

Tweedledum and Tweedledee were fun and exciting to watch. Each brought a unique charm to the stage, making them a perfect match. Together, they created a delightful mix of chaos and friendship that kept the audience entertained from start to finish.

The White Queen delivered a beautifully engaging performance, filled with charisma and charm. Exceptionally expressive in both her words and actions, she captivated the audience and brought her character vividly to life.

Humpty Dumpty was delightful to watch - full of quirky charm that suited the character perfectly. The ingenious costume, especially the tiny shoes, was a brilliant touch, adding humour and personality. Very clever design and absolutely perfect for the role!

Finally, a special mention to all the incredible supporting roles that made the performance together so wonderfully. You each brought your characters to life with such energy and enthusiasm, adding depth and vibrancy to the stage. Your contributions were essential to creating a truly fantastic show.

This lively production of Alice in Wonderland by the enthusiastic members of Honiton Community Youth Theatre Group made for a truly delightful evening at the Beehive. The cast’s dedication and energy shone through, resulting in a memorable, fun-filled performance delivered with style and charm. I enjoyed every moment - Well Done to everyone involved! A special mention goes to Tracey Bonetta for her outstanding directorial debut - You absolutely smashed it. Well done!

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