Reviewed by Sue
Tonight (10 August 2017) we attended the Grove Theatre in Dunstable to see Allce in Wonderland Jr presented by Grove Production Project (Grove Production Project is an exciting annual experience offering youths the chance to work with a professional team in order to stage a musical production).
This was the opening night in which the cast can take pride in their performance and hard work over the past 12 days.
Alice was played excellently by three different children; Alice, Small, Alice and Tall Alice. The Cheshire Cat was fantastic, also played by three children at the same time. Alice’s sister Mathilda was the sensible one.
Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee were so funny together.
The flowers, Rose, Petunia, Lily, Violet and Daisy were colourful characters who portrayed their haughty taughty characters very well and were not at all kind to Alice.
The Caterpillar/Butterfly was fabulous.
The White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, March Hare, Queen and King of Hearts plus the Doorknob, Dodo Bird, Cards One, Two, Three and Four plus the 2 of Clubs. Not to mention The Keyhole, were all fantastic as were the rest of the cast.
The underwater scene with the fishes and sea creatures was very colourful.
The scenery and costumes, I understand, were all created in house this year and were really good, a few of the cast need to make sure they are fully prepared before going on stage, skirts fastened and shirts tucked in.
The sound system in places was poor as this resulted in the audience being unable to hear the performer/s when their radio mikes didn’t appear to be working. There was a hold up in the performance at one point, maybe a technical fault, but I am sure this will be overcome?
There are a few performers who need to project their voices more, which I am sure they will do now that the opening night has passed.
Overall, for an amateur preformance, the production was very enjoyable and all who took part should be proud, the scenery was a credit to the production team as were the outfits which were very bright and colourful. Lighting was good throughout.
Please note that the main parts are being played by two sets of children on different nights.
Rating: 4/5
For shows at the Grove Theatre in Dunstable visit www.grovetheatre.co.uk.
Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP | 01582 602080
