ALICE ….THE PANTO

A show with lots and lots of energy. Alice in Wonderland is a well known story with, as the producer Bryony says, lots of fun, laughter, singing and dancing. There were all of the elements of panto included, “he’s behind you”, “oh yes it is”, and lots of audience participation. There was even an Audience Participation Officer (Ben Rosen, the Director), who fell foul of the custard pies!

The action started from the audience which contained most of the cast. Like a flash mob, they arose from their seats to join in a lovely harmonised “In The Land Of Make Believe”. Everyone had finger lights and the whole song was choreographed using the lights. All dressed in modern dress which was soon to be replaced by an absolutely wonderful array of costumes as the panto unfolded. Very well done Costume Team. I particularly liked the Queen of Hearts’ costume, so many details. The Queen (Kate Dunn) had a lovely singing voice and her portrayal of her character was 100% believeable. Many heads rolled and jelly baby gifts did not encourage young audience members to vote for her.

White Rabbit (Paul Stevenson) was extremely energetic throughout. He certainly ran young Alice (Eve Harris) around. She needed her energy to keep up with him. She had a lovely voice, quite mature for such a youngster.

Again, there was a clever use of lights in the fluorescent scene, even a teapot “tipping” the lights in the cup, very clever and appreciated by the audience. It was not long before Tweedledum and Tweedledee (Paul Dunn and Paula Carr) came to join the fun. More brightly coloured matching costumes and exhuberance. They worked well together.

The Fairy Godmother (Karen Tomkins) made an interesting entrance and set the theme of being a “foodie”, sticky buns, chocolate cake, ice cream accompanied her. Her spells inevitably went wrong and she never really knew who “Alice” was.

White Rabbit met his match when he asked “The Boss” (Julie Roberts) for payment for his hard work. With help from the audience and clever sums she convinced him that with weekends and holidays, etc. he actually didn’t work at all! We were also introduced to the caterpillar (Roy Stambrow and Bryony Green). This was another excellent costume and accompanied by their hookah they had to work together as they were connected at each end of the body.

We had to wait for the entrance of the Cheshire Cat (Ed Farrow) but it was worth the wait. Bright orange and stripes. He and Alice encouraged 2 children on to the stage and there was a rendition of Old MacDonald’s Farm.

The Duchess (Leisha Keane) and her baby took us up to the interval with her antics, losing and finding her baby in the audience. There were some, again, very colourful costumed chorus, animals, etc. who joined in a line dance which was well rehearsed. Young and adult members working alongside one another, all smiling and obviously enjoying themselves.

The scenery in the first half was to be commended – one hired mushroom set and the others designed and painted by an obviously very talented Peter Weston. We were not to be disappointed in the 2nd half as the Mad Hatters House was a wow factor. Of course the sound and lights team were right on cue with door opening and closing with a bang whenever March Hare and Mad hatter went in and out. March Hare (Awen Williams) and Mad Hatter (Catrin Thomas) again worked well as a team. Mad Hatter especially with a very colourful costume and enthusiasm and personality to match.

Doormouse (Riley Jones) had a nice clear voice and could not resist tapping his feet in time to party music whilst “asleep”. Another excellent chorus number.

Of course, Alice – The Panto, was not complete without the Queen of Hearts , Knave of Hearts (Jenny Williams) and King of Hearts (Jason Smith). The King of Hearts inevitably turned from a brow-beaten character to masterful in the end. He had to share his jelly babies with everyone but when the Queen tried to bribe the audience to vote for her along with the youngsters as the pack of card, they were not to be persuaded

No, I have not forgotten the trees (Tess Whomsley-Walker, Evie Chappell and Ella Fisher). They had a big presence on stage throughout and little arms must have been tired by the end – well done. Alice returned to the trees and her sister (Ellie Whomsley-Walker) and all was well.

What a busy, energetic, fun, colourful show this was. Audience and players enjoying every minute. Congratulations and thank you for the welcome you gave us on our first visit to this company.

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