Alice in Wonderland

From the moment we entered the Mandeville Hall on a rather gloomy February afternoon, it was clear that grey skies were ‘gonna clear up’ and that we would ‘put on a happy face.’ And thus it came to pass…but with stunning and dynamic effect.
This was no ‘down a rabbit hole’ of an Alice adaptation. More famous names than Rowan Marshall have tried to adapt Lewis Carroll’s marvellous creation to panto format, but none has managed it more deftly or entertainingly as Mr. Marshall in my experience or opinion.
There were several reasons for this which other amdram panto writers/directors could learn from
• He kept it simple whilst retaining panto elements over adherence to original text
• Characters were clearly and warmly written
• Jokes were funny and not overwritten in innuendo
• Warm, witty characters / actors such as Tweedledum and Tweedledee were at the centre of the action
• The pace and energy were relentless
• The audience was engaged from the first second
• The spirit of old style variety was alive and well
• Panto business ( e.g. the ghost routine) was properly done as though for the first time
• Songs were appropriate…and short!
• A keen eye for comic detail… and what works.

I could go on… but let me begin at the beginning.

The Mandeville Hall was beautifully decorated in marquee drapes and artefacts representing aspects of Carroll’s classic. Graphics were projected onto stage screen and curtains to grab the attention and create atmosphere from the first. We were accorded a very warm welcome by the chairman and able to grab a tea after our long journey. Front of house, raffle selling and refreshment provision were most professionally done.

Musicians, including Rowan Marshall himself, set a brilliant standard of dynamism and musicianship from the start. Lighting and sound by the inimitable Kate and Dave Maltby( can you design my next show at the Key Theatre,please??) set the scene immaculately and went from strength to strength.
The set, courtesy of Ken Smith, was fabulous: we loved the monochrome foliage which picked up the lighting colours exquisitely…and the scene changing under the stage management of Bill Wetzel Snr. was seamless. The initial voiceover announcements were funny and sophisticated.

Richard Binks and Kyna Simpson in the guise of Mad Hatter and March Hare made their mark as both effective ‘warm up artists’ and masters of ceremonies. Owing to their energy and panache, we were swept into an alternative universe and performance energy which enveloped us and never let go…in the nicest possible way. All the panto entreaties, catch phrases and audience, especially childrens’, engagement techniques were turned on effectively whilst retaining character and storyline. Mr Binks’ ability to adlib and draw in the audience was superb.

Alice, a tuneful oasis of commonsense in the midst of madness as portrayed by the very talented Jules Riley, left her amiably dotty Aunt Lucy played by Marianne Etherington. Led to Wonderland by an alluringly adept but tardy White Rabbit endearingly interpreted by Vicky Iell she encountered a terrific array of good and bad, grumpy and witty characters.

Whilst Anne-Marie King and Debbie Chester’s Solitaire and Patience were well executed performances of note, it was John Hill and Dave Watson’s Tweedledum and Tweedledee who stole the show at every appearance. Their comic timing was immaculate and their personalities delightful. A tour de force of old fashioned humour.

Marcus McGinnis as Jack turned on the charm for some lovely duets with Alice whilst Anne Lea was excellent as King Rex as was Lesley Bowring as the Cheshire Cat and Kim Ulmer as Absolem.

Sometimes in panto, whole company numbers seem to be thrown in for the sake of numbers and involvement. Here the songs enlivened the action and the company members all maintained the highest levels of enthusiasm and expertise.Terrific!

I must mention the choreography which was eye catching, synchronised and dynamic throughout aided by wonderfully colourful costumes courtesy of Emma Simpson, perfect props from Philippa Patel and Sue Dixon and some great song choices…ending just soon enough:‘I’m a Believer’ as a chorus number and ‘Love is an open door’ as a duet for Alice and Jack worked particularly well. It was a musical treat to hear some harmonies at play.

However, my plaudit of plaudits has to go to Emma Verney as Queenie.
Following an admirable Morticia in The Addams Family recently, Emma gave us a masterclass in acting, singing, dancing and panto adlib of the finest order. She was magnificent.

You can see that we enjoyed this pantomime hugely. Were there no criticisms? Of course , there are always small gripes but these were infinitesimal in the case of this stunning show. I thought that the first half was about ten minutes too long and I felt the second half courtroom action held up the pace and drive in the second half. Just a case of ‘beware too much dialogue/narrative’ in any panto.

The film sequences were brilliantly edited into the show and the compulsory community singing was achieved to jolly effect so that the large number of children present loved the show.

Congratulations to Rowan and Melodramatics for the best panto I have seen this season…and that includes four professional ones. I look forward to my next visit with keen anticipation!

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