Alice in Wonderland JR

“Alice in Wonderland JR”. - Norbury  ‘Beginners on Stage’

Originally established in 2006, ‘Beginners on Stage’ consists of youngsters currently aged between 8 and 13 years. Although many have performed before in a variety of Norbury productions, this was their first licensed production, of their choice, performed together. Lasting around 50 minutes it was a perfect choice and it was clear from the first number, that all 28 of them were totally committed, to the credit and the obvious hard work of their group leaders Sam Jeffrey and Vicky Lake. The stage and costumes were very effective and so too was the lighting.

The three versions of ‘Alice’ were all played very well, (Emily Tennant as ‘Small Alice’, Freya Richardson as ‘Tall Alice’) and particularly Maisie Thomas Meredith (as ‘medium’ Alice) who opened the show and provided the continuity within the story. ‘The White Rabbit’ played by Lucy Bott as tradition dictates was constantly worried about being late, and played the role with energy and sang ‘I’m Late’ well. ‘Tweedle Dee’ (Charlie Harris) and ‘Tweedle Dum’ (Kyran Newman) also worked well together exchanging lines at a good pace and singing ‘How D’ye Do and Shake Hands’.

This clever adaptation of the classic Disney film includes a host of other characters, but it is difficult to mention them all. Along the way we meet a bubble blowing ‘Caterpillar’ played endearingly by Evie Felgate, who tries to cheer Alice up singing ‘Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah’. Alice finds herself at the Mad Hatters Party, the ‘Mad Hatter’ himself played with lots of personality by Matthew Tennant.

A crazy game of musical chairs is played out and all sing a great number ‘The Unbirthday song’.Threatening to cut off her head, Alice meets the ‘Queen of Hearts’ played with great presence by Isla Stokes. Other good support was provided by  Emily Dutton as ‘Dodo Bird’ and the three ‘Cheshire Cats’ linking the storylines, played by Daniel Chorley, Katie Jones and Jessica Welsh.

It was easy to forget how young some of the performers were, which can only bode well as their confidence continues to go from strength to strength. Well done!

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