Alice in Wonderland

A school holiday treat from Stray Cats Theatre and ADAPT, Alice in Wonderland was originally slated for Mandurah Performing Arts Centre’s smaller Fishtrap Theatre. Social distancing requirements meant that it was performed in MANPAC’s much larger Boardwalk Theatre, to very well distanced capacity audiences.

There are many theatrical adaptations of Lewis Carroll’s beloved books Alice in Wonderland and Alice, Through the Looking Glass - and this version covers both books over the two acts. One of the wordier incarnations, it is supplemented by bright and creative costuming, some well executed dancing (choreographed by Ashleigh Riley), effective projections by Alan White, clever set pieces (Bronwyn White and Karen Francis) and evocative lighting.

The cast is led by Rhiannon Francis, who is delightful in the title role. Alice is 16 in this version, and Rhiannon captures this girl-woman perfectly. Looking very much like Alice Liddell, the original inspiration of the character, rather than the Tenniel or Disney versions - this is a central character with whom we can sympathise and with whom we want to journey.

Twenty-one other performers play a myriad of other roles - with all but Tom Wilson - a likeable and energetic White Rabbit, playing multiple characters. The cast are kept busy throughout, with many quick changes, and they remain committed and focused at all times.

Memorable performances include Ella Thompson - the Mouse (and other roles) who coped beautifully with a malfunctioning microphone, Alex White presenting two very different characters as The Mad Hatter and The White Knight, and what I believe may be a very successful stage debut from Daniel Pais.

We are given three very different Queens, with Sheryl Gale a rather frightening Queen of Hearts, Georgia Turner an extremely commanding Red Queen and Amy Elliot pleasantly confused as the White Queen.

One of the highlights is the unique presentation of the Cheshire Cat - a combination of puppetry and performer. Cleverly operated by actor-puppeteers Keely Hockley, Abby Tamplin and Emily Tamplin, the cat is voiced by Monique Butchart - who also moves beautifully - in harmony with the puppeteers.

The audience included some very young people, some of whom were seeing their first ever show - and they were clearly engaged throughout - and obviously enjoyed this fresh take on the classic stories.

Kimberley Shaw