Going to the theatre seems a distant memory, but Strange Fascination Theatre are on a mini tour of Norfolk with their production of Alice in Wonderland. My trip down the rabbit hole was in the beautiful setting of the Plantation Gardens in Norwich’s city centre.

After the global pandemic put a stop to rehearsals earlier this year for a their new production, director Simon Michael-Morgan said “after the announcement that we could return from July 11 we decided to put on a show we have done before as we all know it and have all the props” and so Alice in Wonderland was dusted off and tweaked for open-air and socially distanced performances.

Strange Fascination Theatre performing Alice in Wonderland at Norwich Plantation Gardens on 8 August 2020. Photo: Dawn Maidstone

Hayley Evenett provided plenty of innocent curiosity as leading lady Alice, while other cast members took on multiple roles. A near operatic performance from Helen Fullerton as Mock Turtle contrasted her prim and pouting command as the Queen of Hearts, while James Ducker delivered an enthusiastic and eccentric rapping Mad Hatter. The loveable but late White Rabbit was played with added wit by Simon Michael-Morgan and Daisy Packett took on the Caterpillar, March Hare and Card Guard. Daisy also helped bring the curious world of Wonderland and colourful characters to life with her costume and puppetry.

Social distancing didn’t allow for the immersive performance that may have been, but there was still opportunity for audience participation which created a panto-feel to the story-telling.

Read more – Review: Matilda the musical

An enjoyable production for any age, Strange Fascination Theatre will be performing at Hoveton Hall on 15 August, Catton Park on 16 August and Raynham Hall on 22 August. I believe that tickets only remain for Raynham Hall and can be purchased here