★★
Written by Penny Farrow, this production blends pantomime theatrics with the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland fit to keep younger audiences amused over an afternoon.
The show begins as the classic does, where Alice is launched down a rabbit hole and asked to solve riddles in order to escape the darkness she is in. The use of props, such as the fake tears and puppetry keep the audience giggling along with Alice in her journey to get to Wonderland.
Despite the fruitful story, the beginning of the production lacks a sense of flow and excitement. Much of the play feels like scenes sewn together without a lot of rhythm to them, making it difficult to stay engaged. The only continuity between the scenes is that Alice is in them. Playing this iconic classic to an audience so well-rounded on the story, is difficult to execute with such strong and iconic associations. Furthermore, the perks of having a short one hour production, fit for children, bares the cost of missing key characters and plot-lines that children often have costumes for, or toys at home that resemble their favourites.
The construction of the play is held together by the cast. Principles Katronia Brown and Skye Hallam, playing Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, brought a nuance to the ever-so-famous duo. Their vocal projection and chemistry on stage is able to uplift the storyline that has a tendency to trail off track slightly. Furthermore, Matthew Heywood, playing The Hare, matches this with his inquisitive and bouncy essence, fully embodying each character that the ensemble threw at him.
The latter half of the play, that took place in The Red Queen’s palace, redeems much of the other sections. With pop culture references and slapstick jokes, the play is like a pantomime in the middle of July, that children always adore.
The last scene with life size playing cards and music, rounds up the play well, cycling back to Alice reading in the garden. The ending of the production exuberates a jollity which is visually captivating. Music and lighting, which elevates the final scene, could have been integrated more consistently throughout the performance to enhance its overall magic.
Alice in Wonderland will be performed at the Marylebone Theatre until 31 August.
Words by Louella Venus
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