Alice In Wonderland

This was Anna Nelmes’ Directorial Debut with a Pantomime that she had written, and what a great job she did with both. There was a Steam Punk theme to this production which made it slightly different but very interesting.  The story was basically the Alice in Wonderland that we know and love with all the recognisable characters and its general message of acceptance and growing up with an open mind.

The White Rabbit (Sam Gilpin) leading Alice (Imogen Adams) down the rabbit hole was extremely well done with the use of a hidden slide. Both were excellent in their roles. (I’m not how Sam Gilpin kept up the energy throughout the performance)

The two Cheshire cats (Janina Evans and Hannah Hawkins) gave us the illusion of disappearing and reappearing somewhere else, whilst Fergie Beynon as the “spaced out” Caterpillar even had smoke coming from the large hookah. Well done to all.

Angela Prickett (Tweedle Dum) and Jordan Dickin (Tweedle Dee) were the perfect comedy duo for a pantomime with a great rapport and comedy timing. The audience loved them, the younger element especially liked the custard pie and slapstick moments. 

Karmen Blake as The Queen of Hearts had the audience booing and heckling as all good baddies should, and her sidekicks Ronnie and Reggie (Rhys Barrellie and Jack Butler) had the sympathy of the audience every time she was mean to them.

Emily Nelmes as The Mad Hatter performed a version of a Gilbert and Sullivan patter song but unfortunately there was a problem with the sound and it was very difficult to hear her, but there was great interaction between The Mad Hatter and Vince Brinton-Haywood as The March Hare and I loved the Dormouse popping his head out every now and then.

As a Pantomime it had all the usual audience participation that was expected (oh yes it did)

Each character in this play was perfectly cast from Principles to Betsy Cole as the Doorknob to Ebi Hanlon as the dormouse.

The choreography,  singing and harmonies were spot on and you could see everyone had worked very hard and they kept the energy out throughout the performance

The set and props were very good and the transitions were seamless.  The costumes were fantastic and had all been supplied by the company.

Congratulations to all involved in this performance, both front and backstage.

All in all a glorious afternoon's entertainment, Thank you for your king invitation, and the tea and mince pies.

The views in this report are solely of the author.

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