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Alice Is Simply
The Best!
Alice in Wonderland
South Shields Customs House
Until Saturday 9th
January 2016.
What do you want from a
pantomime? Easy
to follow and recognisable story? Bright set and lush costume design? Lots of
jokes for the kids (and some for the adults too)? A dame that takes control and
is happy to interact with the audience? A cast of extremely talented actors who
can sing, entertain and make everyone smile? Alice In Wonderland at the Customs
House ticks each and every box.
Allow
me to explain. Some pantos feel like they are done to you. A few, like Alice, make you feel that you
are a part of it. The packed house were all willing to get involved in the
antics. It felt like Christmas has arrived. This show is rather special.
Both
Alice In Wonderland and the Customs House celebrated their 150th
anniversary this year. Even though it is not common panto material, it is
sufficiently well known to make it work. Ray Spencer and Graeme Thompson have
written a play that knows its audience well.
The
story starts with the White Rabbit, played by Luke Maddison, running onto the
stage and announcing he is late and shooting off. He is quickly followed by
Alice who wants to chase him. Natasha Haws is very comfortable in her role of Alice and the audience quickly
warm to her.
Alice then meets the Cheshire
Cat, animated by Sheila Gruber and voiced by BBC Radio Newcastle’s
breakfast show host Alfie Joey. After a
few tongue in cheek jokes Alice decides to follow the
rabbit and ends up in a strange world.
Tweedle
Dum and Tweedle Dee are a likeable double act. Gareth Hunter and Craig
Richardson spar off each other like a pair of Minions. Kylie Ann Ford’s
Dormouse is delightful and the Mad March Hare features another entertaining
performance by Stephen Sullivan.
The
singing is this year’s Customs House show is a real strength. The operatic
training and experience of Anne-Marie Owens, as the suitably terrifying Queen
of Hearts, results in a some stunning vocals. Though I’m not sure what Carl
Orff would make of the alternative lyrics to Carmina Burana!
Each
member of the cast has something to offer in the singing department. Special
mention should go to Natasha, Steven Lee Hamilton, as the Mad Hatter, and Afnan
Iftikahr as the Knave of Hearts. Their singing contributions really lifted the
show.
A
great pantomime needs a dame that controls the show rather than wheeled on for
a brief interlude. Ray Spencer gives a
panto dame masterclass, handling both the audience and his cast well. There is
a real element of the late great Les Dawson in his delivery.
Every
panto has its young dancers and the members of South Tyneside Dance Workshop
were delightful. Some of their routines were ambitious and they pulled them
off.
Even
though it was two and a half hours long, Alice In Wonderland flew by. Not only
was it was great to see, but it was also great to be a part of. This show
markets itself as the Little Panto with a Big Heart. Well there is a whole lot
of loving in the venue. The audience and
strong cast make it a panto with no weak links.
In
fact, it is the most fun we’ve had at a panto for a while.
This
review was written by Stephen Oliver for the North East
Theatre Guide from Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com).
Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo
on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo
The Customs House is
also adding to the madness of Carroll’s world with Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties
throughout the festive season. On December 6, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 and 30,
children will be able to enjoy special parties with an afternoon tea, party
games, entertainment and an opportunity for a meet and greet with some of the
panto cast members.
Read the original
preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/preview-alice-in-wonderland-at-south.html
Tickets:
Alice in Wonderland, sponsored
by Hays Travel, is at The Customs House from Tuesday
1st December 2015 to January 9th.
Tickets
for the pantomime and Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties start from £9 and are available
from the box office on 0191 454 1234 or from www.customshouse.co.uk.
For
exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, competitions and all the latest news in
Wonderland follow #BigHeart @thecustomshouse.
Cast:
Anne-Marie
Owens – Queen of Hearts
Ray
Spencer – Duchess
Natasha
Haws – Alice
Steven
Lee Hamilton – Mad Hatter
Luke
Maddison – White Rabbit
Afnan
Iftikhar – Knave of Hearts
Stephen
Sullivan – King of Hearts & Mad March Hare
Kylie
Ann Ford – Dormouse
Craig
Richardson – Tweedle Dum
Gareth
Hunter – Tweedle Dee
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