Alice in Wonderland at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton Review
Alice in Wonderland
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
14 November 2014 to 10 January 2015
Reviewed by Michelle Wright
We love visiting the Octagon Theatre in Bolton. Their takes on classic children’s stories delight my daughter and Alice in Wonderland was no different.
The play starts set in a school classroom and whilst the audience takes their seats the cast are already mingling with the audience, and on this occasion, including my daughter in setting the scene as she drew lines on a pyramid prop and hieroglyphics in a pad. One of the class members gets to take home but Alice’s lack of self-confidence takes her on a journey when she tries to hunt for the runaway white rabbit… and so the adventure to Wonderland begins. Throughout the hunt for the White Rabbit, Alice encounters classic characters such as the Mad Hatter, The March Hare, a hilarious pair of rappers; Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee and of course the bossy, Red Queen – who just wanted to cut of people’s heads!!!
The cast of seven, play all of the characters throughout the play and were all totally fantastic. Our favourite performance was from Barbara Hockaday, who not only plays Helen in the classroom, but also the White Rabbit. The cast play an array of musical instruments, changing costumes, roles and accessories to bring their adaptation of Alice in Wonderland by Morgan Lloyd Malcom, based on the novel by Lewis Carroll’s story to the stage.
My 8 year old daughter absolutely loved the performance – in particular the very funny rapping and dancing Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee. “They were very funny, and although their dancing was rubbish I thought they tried very hard!” Scarlett aged 8 years!
The play concludes back in the classroom, with Alice – and the audience, learning a very valuable lesson, that we are all different – and that’s good! Alice learns that her individuality is a strength, asking ‘this is me, who are you?’
A wonderful family show which we thoroughly recommend.
Suitable for age 5 years +
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £9.50 to £23 / Family tickets from £48 to £60.
Alice in Wonderland is at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton until 10 January 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01204 520661.
Octagon Theatre. Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB | 01204 520661
