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A fun-filled take on an old-time classic.Summary
Rating
Excellent
KD Theatre Productions Ltd are touring a fun and vibrant rendition of Alice in Wonderland this summer. Stopping off at Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens, we’re surrounded by the enchanting backdrop of the museum grounds and transported to the weird and wonderful world of this well-loved classic.
The Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens really is a perfect setting for Alice in Wonderland. The beautiful foliage, high brick walls and maze (yes, an actual maze) makes an excellent spot for families to indulge in a bit of escapism in the lovely summer heat. Though outdoors, the production is surprisingly intimate; creating a much more immersive feel. The play is well paced and constantly moving with the actors traversing through the audience; often interacting with them. With a run time of approximately 2 hours (plus an interval) there are plenty of songs and ensemble pieces to keep a young audience engaged throughout.
At the curtain call it was a surprise to see how few actors were actually in the play – just five – and with the exception of Alice (Hannah Ponting) the cast each played a multitude of characters; interchanging scenes and costumes so many times and so swiftly, you could easily assume they were a much larger troop. This is a testament to the director (Oliver Scott), the professionalism of the actors and the production team as a whole that they were able to make all the moving facets flow so seamlessly.
Harlow is an ever growing, multi-cultural town and it would be lovely to have seen this echoed in the cast of the production. Yet, judging by the warm and inclusive environment fostered by the KD Theatre Productions team, it won’t be long before their shows truly reflect the town’s expanding diversity.
Grab some sun factor 50, plenty of water and take full advantage of this glorious weather by sharing this entertaining day out with the family.
Based on the novel by: Lewis Carroll
Adapted by: Daniel Bell
Directed by: Oliver Scott
Choreography by: Katherine Hickmott
Musical Direction by: Mel Crouch
Costume Design & Creation by: Curtis Ferris
Alice In Wonderland has completed its run at Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens. It next plays in Saffron Walden 19 & 20 August, further information here.
