Into Wonderland

Firstly, let me welcome H’All Things Drama into the Noda Family and thank you for a warm welcome on a cold October evening. I really didn’t know what to expect from Into Wonderland  - yes, I know the Alice in Wonderland story, but like all things Theatre, this was always going to be something different and out of the ordinary. If I were putting it in a “box” it is a play with track music but watching this production was so much more.

The set was incredibly simple with very minimal props - something which I personally like - I don’t like my attention to be more on the props than on the actors dialogue. The costumes were very well thought out and considering most people were playing at least two characters , the changing space was behind a backdrop curtain on the side of the stage area and was about the size of a hall cupboard (it reminded me a little of Mary Poppins’s bottomless carpet bag!) I have to say a huge well done to Rissa Grant (costume designer) they were identifiable, imaginative and innovative. Definitely a lady to keep an eye on in Theatre land.

The tracks used during the performance to show/represent passage of time or changing of location were in keeping and fitting but at times a little muffled. No radio mics or danglers were used so it as all down to the actors projection, diction and articulation. The only character I struggled (if struggled is really the right word) to hear was the doormouse (Darcy Smith). I can’t really put it as a criticism because I do feel it was in perfect keeping with her character - dormice don’t shout and they aren’t very loud.

I very much enjoyed the performance of the Cheshire Cat (Marie Williamson) she had all the cat characteristics down and even while just sitting and observing she emitted sass. It was interesting to see the clever use of ladders to portray height alterations. I enjoyed the simple way they were included in the scenes and the choreography of moving the Cheshire Cat around was a delight to watch. Russell Mansfield showed us some excellent characterisations as he helped Alice (Emily Ridgway) through the plot in different guises. Emily portrayed just the right amount of childlike naivety to allow the audience to abandon being an adult and join her in her story. Adrian Middleton supplied some fabulous facial expressions and reactions that really drew my eye and I believe that he is also one to keep an eye out for in the future. His comedic timing is exceptional.

The whole cast worked together as a team and every character shone in different ways , I could go one and mention something pertinent about every single character but instead I will simply say, excellent work. I look forward to seeing your next production.

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