EntertainmentTheatre

Alice in Wonderland – The Dukes, Lancaster Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Cath Joyce

The Dukes staged their first open air theatre production in Williamson Park, Lancaster back in 1987 and they have been so popular they are still going strong over 30 years later. This year the production is Lewis Carroll’s popular novel Alice in Wonderland, perhaps a tricky story to transform for the stage, but having seen many of the open air theatre productions over the years we knew this wouldn’t cause a problem for The Dukes creative team! What we love about the Dukes outdoor productions is that each scene is set in a different area of the park, allowing the natural surroundings, whether that’s woodland, the quarry or the magnificent Ashton Memorial to create a magical atmosphere which gives a truly memorable theatrical experience to both young and old and last night’s whimsical and colourful journey to Wonderland was no exception.

The adventure begins in the woods, where Alice ( Eve Pereira) and her friend Lewis (Ros Telfer) are on a school camping trip. The scene quickly plunged into the fantastical with the accidental summoning of the Jabberwocky, leading to Lewis’s capture and setting the stage for Alice’s quest to rescue him in Wonderland. This opening scene was not only engaging but also set the tone for the playful and slightly surreal atmosphere of the production. The transition to the quarry for Scene 2 introduced us to the eccentric Duchess and her sister, adding a layer of humour and oddity that delighted the audience. If you’re taking children, try and sit towards the front as there’s a bit of audience participation in this scene. I won’t spoil the surprise but it was all the children next to us could talk about as the White Rabbit led us to the next scene!

The thirty-minute interval that followed allowed for a change of scenery and a chance to grab something from the picnic basket or cafe before the show resumed at the Ashton Memorial, an impressive setting for the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Here, Telfer shone again in the role of the Dormouse, showcasing his versatility as well as his impressive vocal skills.

The final scene on the Queen’s croquet lawn was a real highlight of the night, featuring a couple of remote-controlled hedgehogs that added a whimsical touch to the croquet game. The confrontation with the Jabberwocky and the ultimate triumph of Alice and her friends then brought the story to a satisfying conclusion.

All the cast delivered strong performances, bringing the eccentric characters of Wonderland to life with vibrant energy and humour. In our opinion the star of the show has to be Helen Longworth, a regular performer with the Dukes, who delivered standout performances as both the Queen and Duchess, balancing regality with a comedic flair that made her portrayal quite unforgettable.

The performance begins at 7.15pm and many families take the opportunity for a picnic in the beautiful surroundings before the performance, which is a really good idea, especially when the weather is nice. Seating varies at each location, sometimes there are benches or logs to sit on and in other locations the audience can sit on the ground. I would recommend taking a mat or blanket, especially when it is wet, so you are not sitting directly on the ground. The play continues whatever the weather, so it is definitely worth checking the forecast before you leave and dressing appropriately.

The production was also thoughtfully inclusive with a lady at the front using sign language for the hard of hearing.

The Dukes production of Alice in Wonderland in Williamson Park is charming and inventive and the cleverly thought out blend of whimsy, creativity, and immersive storytelling makes for a fantastic night out. The outdoor setting of Williamson Park adds a magical quality to the performance, perfectly complementing the fantastical elements of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale. So what are you waiting for ? Grab your picnic baskets and make your way to Lancaster for a fun family night out!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost £16.50 for children and £23.50 for adults and there is a £1.25 booking fee. Family discounts are available.

Alice in Wonderland is at Williamson Park, Lancaster until the 25th August, for more information or to book tickets visit https://dukeslancaster.org/whats-on/theatre/alice-in-wonderland or call the box office on 01524 598500
Williamson Park, Quernmore Road, Lancaster LA1 1UX

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