Alice The Musical

May 2014 at Leighton Buzzard Theatre

Alice The Musical performed by the CT/Minis


Over 70 local children aged 4-13 took part in performances of “Alice the Musical” earlier this month at The Leighton Buzzard Theatre. The production by Leighton Buzzard Children’s Theatre featured many colourful characters and a chorus of lobsters, cards, flowers and much more. The performances raised £500 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The Mini Theatre cast were led in a one act version by 8 year olds Ruby Hyland and Phillipa Starkey as Young Alice and Alice in Wonderland, both girls showed real enthusiasm in their singing and led the cast through wonderful adventures. They met the Mad Hatter played brilliantly by 9 year old Jared Walsh, the crazy hares Antonio Borelli and Rowan McGwyre and the sleepy dormice 8 year old Gwen Firoozmand, 7 year old Evie Agget and 6 year old Eliza Walsh- great fun was had by all at the tea party. The Gryphon played superbly by Adam Derland and the Mock Turtle 9 year old Imogen Mills who gave an equally amazing performance told their old sea tales allowing the chorus to sing and dance the lobster quadrille with such fun and enjoyment. The King and Queen of Hearts Billy Knibb and Emily Elding were suitably terrifying, young Billy tackling a very complex court scene with real maturity. The cat, the duchess, the rabbit, the caterpillar and all the characters made us smile-well done to you all for such a young cast you were brilliant.

The older Children’s Theatre cast showed the progression from younger to older group showcasing some very fine talent indeed. Led by 11 year olds Molly Tooman and Leah Quinn both who attend Leighton Middle school. Molly and Leah were wonderful-so many songs, dances and lines-all learnt to perfection. The story was narrated in this version by Lewis Carroll himself – 12 year old Robert Beilby playing The Reverend Dodgson, Robert was excellent. The two girls playing Alice encountered so much fun which showed in everyone's performance especially Hannah Brewin as the Duchess, Isabelle Thyer as the cook, Amber Chambers as the Gryphon and Ella Raffe as The Mock Turtle. Dodgson took Alice to meet the walrus played by 10 year old Alex Scorza and the carpenter played by 10 year old Olivia Campbell, they met the white rabbit played very well by Ella Rose King and Mad Hatters tea party characters including Elisha Fowler, Hayden Gell, Danny Rushby, Eleanor Moyle,Freya Dann and Ben Samuel. The cheshire cat Rebecca Knibb sang and danced superbly and didn’t stop grinning. Excellent singing from everyone-stand outs included Beth Coles as the caterpillar, Molly Squires as Victorian soloist number 1 and Charlotte Snowdon as the King of Hearts. Both versions had great scenery by Border Studios and lighting by Richard and Tom Ayre with superb musical accompaniment by David Allsopp.

Well done to both casts and all the crew a great achievement.