Invergordon Academy’s Alice in Wonderland was just magic!
After a hilarious first performance, Invergordon Academy's pantomime, their own brilliant version of Alice In Wonderland, had standing room only on the following night: news had clearly spread that this show was not to be missed!
Alice in Wonderland (an original script by Tracey Rodgers) was neatly adapted so that Alice's adventures began and ended in the school library: the editor of the Invergordon version, Emma Racionzer, a 6th year pupil at the school, then developed the fast moving plot, respectfully loyal to Charles Dodgson, while providing wonderful opportunities for traditional, well-loved pantomime comedy and interaction with the audience, who responded with clear delight from beginning to end.
The direction and production were very professional and tightly organised. One of the outstanding features of this pantomime was the ensemble playing - the teamwork of the cast - who made the whole stage lively even as the charismatic, commanding Joker, played by Shaun Love, held the audience in thrall at the front, revelling in his "wickedness" and the enthusiastic boos and giggles throughout the hall.
The Mad Hatter, played by the editor herself, was another irresistible character, beautifully edgy and unpredictable. The sudden switch to plaintive duet and the lovely singing of Alice (Ala Lukaszyn) and her imprisoned friend, Nora (Nona Stokes) created a powerful dramatic pause for the audience.
The arrival of the cards and the flowers - dancers from South Lodge and Park primary schools - provided more exciting interventions, keeping the audience on our toes.
And nobody, surely, will ever forget the mesmerising appearance of the enigmatic caterpillar (played Dean Bain) - at this point we had all been taken - very quickly and successfully indeed - to Wonderland.
These brilliant young artists and actors, along with the staff and parents of Invergordon Academy, have provided astonishing entertainment with their wonderful pantomime. This was a powerful reminder of the joy of community theatre. Let's hope there is much more to come.
Frances McKie
