Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland at Orange Tree Theatre Review
Written by Jasmine for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
The Orange Tree Young Company have put together a reimagining of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland that is full of magic and fun - a perfect show for the lead up to Christmas.
Chinonyerem Odimba’s adaptation gives the young actors plenty of space to add their spin on the classic characters and really shine. She finds the pieces of the story which best resonate with young people today, and uses the idea of Wonderland to show how both overstimulating and inspiring the world can be at that age. Odimba also links the story to climate change and the broader concept of finding peace with the world you inhabit when that world is flawed.
Eithne Garricks is an engaging and sympathetic Alice - her difficulty in engaging with her classmates is something that will resonate with anyone who has been a teenager; no one’s getting it right - and it’s lovely to see her come into her own through her adventure in Wonderland. Her fellow Alices - Layla Shurmer and Avani Zarine, playing the different aspects/conflicting voices of her mind - are also brilliant; they give us a window into Alice’s world and a whole lot of laughs, expressing the simultaneous confidence and terror of growing up hilariously well.
This Wonderland is populated by wonderful, whimsical characters who almost all seem to be having a pretty wonderful time. That’s the real charm of the show: how much fun everyone is having. You can see how much the direction by Matt Hassall encourages everyone to bring their own take to each role.
The Cheshire Cat, played by Japhia Papa Marfo, is enigmatic and as omnipresent as the algorithms he references, whereas Megan Diby’s Mad Hatter is as good with advice and a party as they are with a very confusing riddle. Izzie Mayhew-Smith is a chaotic but endearing White Rabbit, and the Queen of Hearts and the King, played by Agnes Halladay and Ioan Oosthuizen, respectively, do some brilliant character comedy that brings lightness to what is often the darkest part of the story. This production’s take on the Caterpillar (JJ Chilton) is musical and rather camp, as is the excellent Mock Turtle (Jessica Millson), whose cheerful approach to cynicism might have been my favourite bit of the show.
Even in the real-world plot line, all the students are relatable in chaotic interjections, and the characterisation of the exhausted teachers by Nadia Sweeney and Ioan Oosthuizen balances care and frustration in a way that really grounds us in that school trip setting and Alice’s relationship with the world. Every single cast member brings so much joy, so much personality, to their part of the show that I wish I could mention them all by name.
The music, composed by Paula James, is also infused with a lot of playfulness and individuality, adding to this silly wonderland world. In the discussion around climate change, finding yourself, and learning to engage with other people openly, it’s this energy which can always find the uplifting amongst the fear.
All the magic and surrealism of the world is brought to life by absolutely fabulous costumes from Isabella Van Braeckel - they were endlessly inventive and a real highlight of the show. The lighting (Will Reynolds) and sound (Ellie Isherwood) also work to immerse us in a world where anything might happen next.
As this wonderful group of young actors moves onto new projects, I have no doubt they will do brilliant work, and I recommend you catch this show while you can. It’s wonderful to see the energy and resources that the Orange Tree is investing in providing these incredible opportunities for them to shine, and I look forward to the next Young Company production.
Plays until 22 December
★★★★
