Lichfield Garrick Theatre & Studio
Latest Reviews
Well ho ho ho, suddenly it’s that time of year again, so I took myself off to Lichfield’s Garrick theatre to see what their team there have come up with in the way of festive fare for 2012.
They’ve got a great track record for seasonal entertainment, but the big question was could they top their own past successes?
Well I’m glad to report that this year’s crowd-pleaser Alice in Wonderland is an all-singing, all-dancing spectacular with a circus theme that’s light, bright, full of colour and good humour, and just what the doctor ordered.
Lewis Carroll’s 1865 fantasy novel is a potentially difficult choice for a show that’s aimed at all ages. Its apparent nonsense masks a profound discussion of maths and logic but the good news is generations of children have loved the story without needing to get in too deep. And there’s plenty to like in this adaptation with its wealth of memorable characters and ridiculous situations.
First there’s a really first rate on-stage orchestra conducted by the Garrick’s Chief Executive and Artistic Director Adrian Jackson - he plays the Hanging Judge too. Then there’s Garrick favourite Ian Adams (who adapted the book and directs) as the Caterpillar, the Duchess and of course the Mad Hatter. Then there’s a lovely young Alice in the shape of Laura Baldwin, unbelievably in her first professional role who acts with poise, dances with verve and sings like a West End star. Steve Huison, best known recently as Corrie’s Eddie Windass links the show together as the White Rabbit with effortless aplomb.
Add in all the other much-loved characters from the Dormouse (aah) to the Cheshire Cat in an endless array of colourful costumes and you’ve got a non-stop show of singing, dancing and comedy.
Yes, they’ve done it again.
They’ve got a great track record for seasonal entertainment, but the big question was could they top their own past successes?
Well I’m glad to report that this year’s crowd-pleaser Alice in Wonderland is an all-singing, all-dancing spectacular with a circus theme that’s light, bright, full of colour and good humour, and just what the doctor ordered.
Lewis Carroll’s 1865 fantasy novel is a potentially difficult choice for a show that’s aimed at all ages. Its apparent nonsense masks a profound discussion of maths and logic but the good news is generations of children have loved the story without needing to get in too deep. And there’s plenty to like in this adaptation with its wealth of memorable characters and ridiculous situations.
First there’s a really first rate on-stage orchestra conducted by the Garrick’s Chief Executive and Artistic Director Adrian Jackson - he plays the Hanging Judge too. Then there’s Garrick favourite Ian Adams (who adapted the book and directs) as the Caterpillar, the Duchess and of course the Mad Hatter. Then there’s a lovely young Alice in the shape of Laura Baldwin, unbelievably in her first professional role who acts with poise, dances with verve and sings like a West End star. Steve Huison, best known recently as Corrie’s Eddie Windass links the show together as the White Rabbit with effortless aplomb.
Add in all the other much-loved characters from the Dormouse (aah) to the Cheshire Cat in an endless array of colourful costumes and you’ve got a non-stop show of singing, dancing and comedy.
Yes, they’ve done it again.
Source: thebestof.co.uk
Quite simply, this is a stunning show - a quality production from start to finish that more than justifies the massive gamble by Ian Adams and Adrian Jackson to tackle the Lewis Carroll classic in this way.
For here we have a musical set in a circus, allowing director Adams, who plays a delightful Mad Hatter and other parts, to tap into numerous genres of stage and big-top entertainment with a wonderfully talented cast of young actors, singers and dancers.
From curtain up, the place is a-buzz with fast-paced action that appeals to all ages. We are treated to tightrope walking, juggling, tap-dancing, ballet and even a spot of good old-fashioned panto.
Every moment offers something new to delight the audience but far from being a series of unconnected turns, the story of Alice is played out faithfully, with recently graduated Laura Baldwin doing a truly wonderful job in the title role.
John Brooking’s super set, which incorporates a revolving stage, is on a split-level, with a top-class, seven-piece orchestra, conducted by musical director Adrian Jackson, occupying the first floor.
The lavish props and costumes are the icing on the cake of this magnificent show which, frankly, deserves a run in a major venue.
Neil Bonner
THE STAGE
For here we have a musical set in a circus, allowing director Adams, who plays a delightful Mad Hatter and other parts, to tap into numerous genres of stage and big-top entertainment with a wonderfully talented cast of young actors, singers and dancers.
From curtain up, the place is a-buzz with fast-paced action that appeals to all ages. We are treated to tightrope walking, juggling, tap-dancing, ballet and even a spot of good old-fashioned panto.
Every moment offers something new to delight the audience but far from being a series of unconnected turns, the story of Alice is played out faithfully, with recently graduated Laura Baldwin doing a truly wonderful job in the title role.
John Brooking’s super set, which incorporates a revolving stage, is on a split-level, with a top-class, seven-piece orchestra, conducted by musical director Adrian Jackson, occupying the first floor.
The lavish props and costumes are the icing on the cake of this magnificent show which, frankly, deserves a run in a major venue.
Neil Bonner
THE STAGE
Source: thebestof.co.uk
Have enjoyed all the shows I have seen there
Source: google.com
