Down the Rabbit Hole, Once Again...

Down the Rabbit Hole, Once Again...

02 April, 2009
by: Simon827

One glance at the programme of Pentameter's production of Alice is daunting. The cast are a melting pot of artists, musicians, photographers and writers. It's quite clear that this isn't going to be a typical theatre performance and this theory's confirmed when the audience are only allowed to enter two at a time. The reason for this is a 'rabbit hole' leading into the theatre, complete with disorientating lights and a rather creepy voice singing from the shadows. So far the production succeeds in removing me from the real world and putting me in a Wonderland seemingly inspired by The Mighty Boosh and the oddity that is Tim Burton. We're even greeted by ladies with cakes, which is always a good thing.

Having removed me from the real world, Alice succeeds in maintaining its surreal start. A combination of film, music and live performance keeps you guessing what'll come next, but the saturation of certain techniques really brings down a potentially fantastic production. After the first film clip, a guitar is heard from where you least expect it and the Mock Turtle begins to sing. Brilliantly chilling. But three minutes later when he's still going for it and you've realised his lyrics are only vaguely attached to the narrative, it's easy to lose interest.

Then the real downfall of this play reveals itself. Any hope I had of ignoring the fact that barely any of these people are trained in live performance is dashed as Alice and the Caterpillar began their first scene. The make-up and costumes may look brilliant, but there's only so much that can do to disguise dodgy acting. Unfortunately this is the case with pretty much every member of the cast, other than the one professionally trained actress, Gennifer Becouarn, who combined with some impressive sound and lighting, makes the most fantastically terrifying Queen of Hearts I've ever seen.

Hats off as well to director Kayleigh Allenby's short films that punctuate the evening, and despite the Mock Turtle taking up far too much of our time, the musician behind him (merely credited as R-E) is clearly talented, and, in moderation, would have been one of the best things about the performance.

Despite some let downs in the quality of acting and some bad directorial decisions, Alice has high aspirations and good intentions. Done with a little more care and some decent actors, it would be verging on genius.

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Simon827