Alice In Wonderland

Until today, I had not seen a Ben Crocker pantomime!.... ‘Where have you been until now?’, I hear you say. His fast-paced script and action redefine the modern traditional panto, with, in this case, all of the topsy-turvy world of Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland brought to the stage; with the imaginative aid of Director Heather Howey of course!.

So, once again, Coquetdale Amateur Dramatic Society has, for two years in succession, created a crazy panto. We thought last year’s production of Titanic the Pantomime was unbelievable. This one surpassed it! – in my humble opinion.

The packed audience in the Rothbury Memorial Institute Hall were treated to Wrong Rabbits, live marauding Flowers, a couple of superbly contrasting Dames and an unfortunate Flamingo, whom one of the dames wanted to use as a kitchen mallet!. There were also some great party tunes and dancing.

When the action began, Xanthe Mawer as White Rabbit was suitably anxious about the time as she set the scene. She had obviously studied her role and performed it beautifully. Many congratulations.

Another super performance came from Janet Bogyor as Bandersnatch – the really wrong rabbit!. Supported excellently by his spouse Sue Wood and the rest of the bunny family; Antony Muller, Heidi Carlisle, Betsy Burston and Jack Pape.

Our two dames were the Right Royal Red Queen played quietly and demurely by Robert Famelton, and the Wrong Royal Red Queen played quite superbly nastily and raucously by John Mawer. I would call his character a 'bloomers and balloons' dame. A stellar performance worthy of any professional stage.

The love duet were believably played by Kirsty Sime and Raimonda Rogers as Alice and Harry. Lovely vocals and assured acting brought their roles nicely to life.

Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee supplied many comedic and knockabout moments, well portrayed by Fred Bogyor and Robert Howey. Julie Muller was a super Mad Hatter; manic and very busy, and they were all superbly supported by the rest of the principals; the Right Royal Red King – Mike Jeavons, Flowers – Frankie Burston (also Little Alice), Molly Evans, Louie Mawer, Frankie Shaw and Kaitlyn Morris (who also starred as the March Hare), Cheshire Cat – John King, Dormouse – Dylan Pringle, Bat – Charlie Pringle and Jabberwocky – Fran Elson. The whole cast of over thirty acquitted themselves excellently, were fully involved and enjoyed themselves throughout.

Heather and her immense production team are to be congratulated on a fantastic show. Costumes, props, makeup and sets were bright, colourful and very apt. Lighting and sound were also instrumental (apart from one or two first-night gremlins) in bringing this wonderful story to life. Well done to all involved!.

Thank you for the invitation and warm reception. I enjoyed the show very much. I look forward with a little trepidation to Jahn Mawer’s The Emperor’s New Clothes next year!.

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