Alice in Wonderland at the Grove Theatre Review
Alice in Wonderland
Grove Theatre, Dunstable
18-21 April 2014
Reviewed by Sandra McGhee
My daughter and I had the pleasure of watching our local Easter pantomime Alice in Wonderland at the Grove Theatre in Dunstable last night, produced by Magic Bean Pantomimes, this was cleverly written and directed by Jamie Alexander Wilson. Starring Paul Daniels, Debbie McGee and ventriloquist Steve Hewlett (from ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent).
I remember almost 25 years ago attending a pantomime in the West End with colleagues of mine from the Japanese Bank where I worked, as the Japanese wanted to experience typical English culture. I remember that particular pantomime was top notch but if only they had witnessed last night’s performance, it was in my view top high quality and the best one I’ve seen to date; the performances at the Grove just seem to get better and better. The standard was excellent and I’m not sure where to start but all I can say is if you have a few hours spare over the long bank holiday weekend please, please go and watch this performance. The creative team produced a brilliant show and each member should be acknowledged for their part in this quality pantomime. The live band and all the music provided throughout the evening was very entertaining and good to listen to. The costumes beautiful, especially my favourite the Caterpillar/Butterfly (acted out by the lovely Laura Jane Matthewson) and with the other butterflies in their outfits this was one scene I enjoyed watching the most.
No expense was spared in the stage scenes all so colourful and really cleverly choreographed. Lucy Reed who played Alice performed magnificently as well as some of the other main characters including Paul Daniels, Debbie McGee and Robert Pearce and not forgetting the very lively and adorable Jasette Amos.
Tweedle De & Tweedle Dum was another added enhancement to the entertainment. The show entertained everyone from toddlers to all generations. There was so much laughter in the audience. The story was illustrated very well (you could of easily imagined yourself being in the story) and the humour was what you would typically expect and more along with water guns, throwing eggs and picking on poor innocent members of the audience. The dancers all looked very happy to be there and were a pleasure to watch them performing too. We were situated in Stalls G12 and our view was very central. I wouldn’t suggest sitting too close to the stage if you don’t want to be picked on.
All in all a great evening of entertainment providing lots of laughter and humour and what a great way to illustrate such a traditional magical fairy tale.
Value: Excellent, especially for a local performance of high quality.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost £18 or £65 for a family of 4 (plus £1.50 booking fee).
For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01582 602080.
Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP | Box Office 01582 602080
