Ironklad Productions’ first offering for the Fringe is a strong idea: what would happen if Alice returned to Wonderland, and how would she be welcomed by it’s inhabitants? However, it’s a strong idea that doesn’t quite fulfill it’s potential.
The characterisations are well thought out, with Samantha Morris’ portrayal of a grown up Alice as a loud-mouthed Cockney with loose morals and a desire to overthrow the queen. Tweedle-Dum and Tweedle-Dee (played by Lisa McGrillis and Claire-Marie Broomby) tend to steal the show, as the dialogue and performances are very entertaining. Unfortunately, none of the other characters quite measure up to this duo, and a lot of the dialogue falls a bit flat.
I think that there is a problem with the play’s identity, or at least its target audience. The material is not quite smutty or clever enough to appeal to an entirely adult audience, whereas children may find it a bit too demanding to fully appreciate. This play lies somewhere in between the two audiences, with both children and adults feeling that there is something missing. At fifty minutes, it also feels a bit too short with the ending appearing just as the story is really starting to develop. Maybe, given a bit more time, the company could be given an opportunity to concentrate more on characterisation and throw in a few more jokes, which would maybe give the production more appeal and identity.
3/5
Becky Stone
