This Easter break the Yvonnne Arnaud Theatre is bringing to life the children’s favourite Alice in Wonderland penned by former Guildford resident and literary great Lewis Carroll.
True to the book and its author’s penchant for all things nonsensical, the play is a manic mix of madness and mayhem.
Most of the key cast members play several different characters including the competent and convincing Simon Lipkin who moves effortlessly from March hare and French chef to put-upon King of Hearts. The only common theme being that they are all totally and utterly and believably bonkers!
The set is simple but the clever lighting makes up for it as Alice spirals down into the flickering rabbit hole that begins her journey into Wonderland. Costume attention to detail is also effective ranging from the simple but obligatory ‘Alice band’ in Alice’s hair through to the heavy duty green gloves worn by the Mock Turtle to represent his own webbed feet – genius!
The play is one of two halves with the first focusing on Lewis Carroll’s initial book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and the second on his sequel Through the Looking-glass and What Alice Found There. And while the first half works well – fast paced, easy to follow and engaging – the second half feels much slower and laboured with elements of the madness bordering on downright confusing.
Overall however, Alice in Wonderland is a fun few hours for all the family and provides the perfect escapism from everyday life.
Alice in Wonderland is showing until this Saturday, 10 April, at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford. For more information visit http://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/
