Alice in Wonderland

This was the first time I had seen a stage version of Alice in Wonderland and I was really looking forward to seeing how Lewis Carroll’s much loved children’s classic would unfold.  How would they make Alice shrink to fit down a rabbit hole?  They didn’t of course, instead a very small door would become a larger door through which Alice would immerge into a mysterious world where, to use the words of the Director, logic is disregarded and madness encouraged.

We were welcomed at the Box Office by the Director before entering the bar and tea bar area which was aglow with plenty of fairy lights and a lovely, themed Christmas tree. After taking our seats we had time to admire the amazing set. Against a white painted background, red curtained archways on three sides enabled the cast to pass in and out with ease.  Hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs plus other associated motives had been used on the walls and a circular, manually operated dais was situated centre stage and used throughout to very good effect. Short sets of steps leading to a small platform and placed either side of the upstage entrance gave the set an extra dimension. The black and white checked floor, courtesy of the lighting designers completed the fantasy effect.

Anna Turnell was absolutely delightful as Alice, marvelling at everything she witnessed and allowing all the curiosity and intrigue of a young girl to really shine through.

All the characters were very well played.  Emma Kent was White Rabbit, always late, dashing across the stage with pocket watch in hand, while Erin Langer was the White Queen and Jess Keilty the Red Queen, exclaiming ‘off with their head’ at every opportunity. Adam Thompson was Caterpillar and Lexi Johnson the Duchess.  The costumes for these, and indeed all of the characters, were of a professional standard.

Millie Thompson was a lovely smiley Cheshire Cat and Alfi Howard made a terrific Mad Hatter.  I liked that he and White Rabbit mingled with the audience during the interval, talking to the children and being photographed with them. All completely in character of course.

There were other good performances by Maddie Benge as March Hare, Caleb Haefele as Dormouse, Christy Haefele as Queen of Hearts and Charlie O’Connell as King of Hearts.  Lily-Mae Thorpe was Mock Turtle and Simon Jones the White Knight.  Korban Doyle was a very good Humpty Dumpty. I liked his silver eggcup hat. Several of the main characters also played additional roles with the large supporting cast often playing multiple characters. So, very well done to Resham Vagdama, Pippa Emery, Khloe Hammond, Sophia  colourful Clark, Eleanor Hoare, Sophie Conway and Emily Wood.

It is obvious that the society places great emphasis on detail and praise must go to wardrobe for the wonderfully colourful costumes, to the set designers, builders and painters for bringing to life the perfect backdrop to Wonderland, all enhanced by the imaginative lighting design.

This was a well directed production, accompanied by a good choice of music.  I think it’s fair to say that the Director’s love of the book really shone through.

Thank you for inviting me and allowing us to spend a very enjoyable couple of hours lost in Wonderland!

 

 

 

 

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