Thursday, July 30

Tag: Penny Farrow

Alice in Wonderland – Riverside Studios
London

Alice in Wonderland – Riverside Studios

Neon-bright, fast-paced and generally faithful to Lewis Carroll's original, Penny Farrow's version of Alice in Wonderland is a joy.  It's somehow simultaneously fresh and modern while remaining a classic. There are very convincing puppets for some of the characters (think Avenue Q meets the Muppets) but director Nate Bertone has not been tempted to shoehorn in any of the current theatrical gimmicks like digital screens and steadicams to distract from the action.  All the favourite characters of this beloved tale show up, portrayed by a terrifically talented ensemble who give it their all and then some, with on-point comic timing.  Bored Alice is feisty, curious and played with the perfect degree of sweetness by Ailsa Erskine.  When she chases Clare Brice's energetic ...
Alice in Wonderland – Marylebone Theatre
London

Alice in Wonderland – Marylebone Theatre

This new adaptation of the classic novel by Lewis Carroll (and a couple of his other works) is described as an attempt to reimagine the story as “a vivid, immersive dreams cape bursting with colour, shape, and play.” Writer Penny Farrow and director/designer Nate Bertone have developed a charming and chaotic story that intrigues from the moment you see the set of playing cards, mushrooms, and unusual shapes. Alice (Charlotte Bradley) finds herself in a mad world populated by talking animals and a larger than life Queen of Hearts (Daniel Page with his best and most scary pout on). Her changing size is conveyed by the switch of ever-growing drink bottles, and her encounters with the familiar characters crackle with contemporary jokes and impersonations to amuse adults while entertainin...