Review: ALICE IN WONDERLAND, Boxtree Productions

There’s nothing quite like outdoor theatre on a “beautiful day”, especially when the setting is as pretty as Church Stretton where Boxtree Productions’ latest show Alice in Wonderland played yesterday as part of the town’s arts festival.

Boxtree Productions’ are a family-run business whose focus is on bringing accessible family-friendly entertainment to audiences across the country – tick. Alice in Wonderland is a relatively small-scale production but is often intricate in its delivery with plenty of layers and detail. James and Richard Franklin’s set is constructed across varying levels and each scene is represented brilliantly with the use of props and removable set elements, with lovely artistry by Mark Thompson.

The book by James and Abigail Franklin moves along at a pace, with the show running at 1 hour 20 minutes straight through, but is reflective of the classic tale we all know and love. The busiest member of the creative team, Abigail Franklin, also directs, choreographs and was involved in the costume design/making, all of which look visually brilliant. The Cheshire Cat puppet cannot be ignored; beautifully created by Hugh Purves and brought to life by two of the actors. We are also treated to some toe-tapping original music by Milly Finch, which is well-produced by Chris Hempshall. (We will forgive the insertion of ‘Baby Shark’ here as the children absolutely loved it!)

The biggest strength of the piece is the characterisation that each performer brings to their (often) multiple roles so the direction and cast creativity here must be applauded. The superb five-strong performing company barely get a moment’s rest across the one-act show, as they are often changing into their next costume or assisting in the scene transitions if not onstage themselves. The company includes Rebecca Crookson as Alice, WEBF Founding Editor James Edge as Queen of Hearts/Caterpillar and others, James Franklin as March Hare/King, Shane Harper as Mad Hatter and others, and Jessica Spalis as the White Rabbit/Cheshire Cat and others.

There is no weak link here. Each performer works cohesively as part of the ensemble, with each character clearly defined. Special mention must go to Jessica Spalis whose energetic and committed performance draws you in each time she’s on stage, Rebecca Crookson’s charming Alice who has the children in the palm of her hand throughout and James Edge’s panto-esque villainous turn as the Queen of Hearts and incredibly comical Caterpillar.

Great, wholesome family entertainment.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Jenny Ell

Alice in Wonderland continues touring until 22 August. To book tickets, please click here.