*** Many apologies for the delay in this review. I have had quite a few issues of late. ***
I can’t go back to yesterday because I was a different person then.
I have always had a fondness for Alice in Wonderland, even bypassing the suspicious inclinations of its author, Lewis Carroll and possible intentions surrounding his muse, Alice Liddle (i.e. missing diary pages torn out by descendants after his death). I guess we will never know and what we are left with is one of the greatest works in literature with a message that we should question strict rules and embrace the absurd while navigating a confusing, illogical adult world. It is one I have always followed, especially being autistic. Basically, the method Alice uses is that of eating and drinking anything she comes across in the hope that it will solve her problems. Life is best lived as a fairytale; that has always been my motto, and I have always looked to live within a world of imagination. Well, it’s a lot more fun than real life, isn’t it?
This was my first time experiencing the youth talent of Illuminate Performing Arts for this production of Brainerd Duffield’s adaptation which combines Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. I have to say, I loved every minute as we were transported to a series of wonderful worlds full of fun, fear, and fantasy. Lily Nolan shone in the role of Alice, balancing innocence and spark while Lilly Goodwin was particularly scary as the psychotic Queen of Hearts. She gave me that megalomanic vibe I get from the current President of the United States. Yep, power corrupts. Also, speaking of psychosis, Harry Andrews was suitably strong as The Mad Hatter, complemented well in his tea party by Sophia-Rose Nykamp (Dormouse) and Elora Williams (March Hare). Then there was the White Rabbit played by Phoebe Smirthwaite who we all followed down the hole and into a brand-new universe. Supporting well, were Lucas Sousa (King of Hearts), Beau Sirrell (Cheshire Cat), Harrison Nield (Caterpillar/White Queen/7 of Spades), Kearney Carmichael-Wearing (Red Queen/5 of Spades), Hannah Clayton (Mouse/Mock Turtle) in good voice, Rocco Santoriello-Smith (Gryphon), Scarlett Smith (Duchess/Humpty Dumpty), Rory Hoey (Frog Footman/Tweedledee), Louis Clayton (Fish Footman/Tweedledum), Evie Beale (Cook/2 of Spades), Ruby O’Kelly (Knave of Hearts) with Hannah Wong and Harriet Strange (Ensemble).
The production team for Alice in Wonderland was Kerri-Anne Boyle (Principal), Scott Cartwright (Teacher), Chloe Amos (Teacher) and Jon Millen (Production Assistant). All of them can be proud of the results which were fully appreciated by the audience on an extremely sweltering day. Although there were fine performances throughout, what impressed me was the characterisation from all principals to ensemble. Facial expressions and movements which often go unnoticed by some but are essential in creating the world on stage. A lovely and entertaining Sunday.
Cheers.
Antony N Britt
*Photos taken from social media.
Antony N Britt - Author 