The New Vic Theatre – Alice in Wonderland 2022

Alice in Wonderland – written by Lewis Carroll and adapted for stage by Theresa Heskins is a magical Christmas play taking place at the New Vic Theatre until 28^th January.

The first thing that strikes me about the play is the music. There is so much great ‘feel-good’ music – singing and instrumental performances –  throughout the whole play which fits so well amongst the narrative. As you would expect from the New Vic, everyone can sing perfectly in tune and there are some great harmonies.

Eleanor Fransch, is exquisite in the part of Alice – very natural and realistic and  I cannot imagine her as anything other than 11 year old Alice.  She has a beautiful singing voice and is an exceptional dancer!  Not the ‘Alice’ that I remember from the novel in fact quite the opposite – but absolutely adorable.

There are so many strong characters in this play and all of the actors delivered to perfection.  We saw the lovely and very talented Danielle Bird in the role of Mad Hatter, also playing a great part in the chorus.  Victoria Brazier as the White Queen, Purvi Parmer as the Red Queen, Matthew Ganley as the Mad March Hare and Lucinda Freeburn as the dormouse – all playing impressive parts.  Peter Watts as the Great Blanco and The White Rabbit was exceptional – his first but hopefully not last visit to the New Vic!  In fact, the whole cast were just fabulous.

Whilst it is a Christmas play for children – and there were children in the audience who were transfixed – everything is absolutely first class with no corners cut, making the adults just as transfixed as the children.

We saw superb effects and props, from the boat in the very first scene to the fire-breathing Jabberwocky and the cute as a button Cheshire Cat! There were some very clever interpretations …. For example, the rabbit hole was replaced by a stage trap door, and I was racking my brains before it happened … how will Alice shrink enough to fit through that small door?  Genius!

Of course, the Creative team as always at The New Vic deserve much credit – the talented ‘off stage team’ make everything that happens on stage so magical – set, sound, lighting, choreography, casting and of course direction is remarkable.

Everything you could possibly wish for in a Christmas production – music, excitement, fun and laughter – the New Vic have done it again!!

A  5-STAR CHRISTMAS PRODUCTION – Every family should take their children to see ‘Alice in Wonderland’ at The New Vic – there is plenty of time – it is on until 28^th January!!

All photographs courtesy of Andrew Billington

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