Alice in Wonderland

A warm welcome is always guaranteed when I go to visit Whitworth AMDS and this time was no different. We entered the auditorium to see closed blue velvet looking stage cutains with the outer front of the stage decorated with flower trellis, the front flats had been painted using bright colours with images of flamingos, outsize toadstools complete with a grinning cat, teacups and a large clock – it definitely set the scene for the production of Alice in Wonderland.

Sound by MASH Audiovisual was good with no gremlins, the lighting plot was sympathetic and in keeping with the scenes. Choreography by Emma Bradburn was varied and interesting from the off. I particularly enjoyed the opening numbers to both Act 1 (Shut Up and Dance) and Act 2 (Bad Romance), they showed a nice change in style and pace. Dan Fielden as Musical Director wielded the baton well with a varied collection of musical numbers, harmonies were nicely melded, projection was good and diction clear.

Mandy Tiffany as The Wrong Royal Red Queen was a strong and formidable baddie, the audience were soon booing away. The Bad Rabbits, although bad, were also quite endearing and in true panto fashion seemed to get thwarted in their antics at almost every turn. Elliott O`Brart showed some fine acting skills in his characterisation and was always very involved in the scene going on around him. Ryan Duffy and Dan Fielden are very used to working together as a duo and so it was no surprise to see them as comedy duo Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee – they both have a good understanding of the fourth wall and know just how far they can go within their characterisation, dialogue delivery was good and clear with some punchy timing. A large portion of the singing in this production was undertaken by” The Flowers” Victoria Sladen, Jemma Harden, Leah Fisher and Angela Mayall – harmonies were pleasant and vocals were strong and confident. Ciaran Lockwood as The Mad Hatter was very strong in his characterisation with some lovely big facial expressions, at times he was completely random which totally worked for his character. Andy Kelly as Queen Betty The Right Royal Red Queen owned his space as soon as he appeared, he knows exactly how to work an audience and he worked them like a pro. Emma Konnanov as Alice and Ben Maguire as Harry had some good onstage chemistry and presented well to the audience. The ensemble worked hard in this show with at least 9 different musical numbers to perform, they had some lovely bouncy energy. Costumes were bright and inventive making characters easily recognisible.

Thank you for inviting me to see your production of Alice in Wonderland, both myself and my guest enjoyed it and I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

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