Riddles Court
August 12th, 2023

Laudator Temporis Acti

The world renowned classic tale, Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll, was brought to Edinburgh Fringe Festival by Tim Nelson and the California Musical Ensemble, to the very heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town in the historical court yard that is Riddles Court. In the intimate Thistle Theatre this family friendly show was sure to be a hit with the younger audience as well as the adults, who seemed just as eager as the children.

The diversity of characters in Alice in Wonderland has entertained audiences around the world for generations and this musical was no different. Casted perfectly in their roles Alice (Charity Bielicki) was sweet and believable, which brought warmth and personality to Carroll’s most famous creation. The cheeky Cheshire Cat, played by Emily Crabb, encouraged much laughter from a now transfixed audience. Aesthetics & physicality are the keys to stage characters, but combining that with a voice that defines ones ability to connect all three elements is no easy task. Tim Nelson, however, nailed it. White Rabbit, Caterpillar, Doormouse, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and all the other cast members carried themselves beautifully through voice and physical movement.

A musical would not be a musical without the music, and with an array of feet tapping singalong songs like ‘Let’s All Go To The Fair’, ‘In My Mind’, and ‘Everyone is Mad’, a feel-good atmosphere was made present and received with open arms. The stage production was crisp and precise. Nothing was left to chance, with every angle being approached with professionalism and fine detail. The perfection, creation and design of the costumes was applaudable and deserving of praise. Colourful, bright and enchanting they had the desired affect bringing the musical to another level.

Daphine Moyes (Narrator) is a natural storyteller. An informing dialogue allowed the delivery of the tale to be easily understood by even the youngest of attendees, and made for a more personal experience. Alice in Wonderland is a light-hearted piece of musical theatre to be enjoyed by the whole family; and with an abundance of colour, fun, wit, cheekiness and joyous moments its sure to keep the children entertained. This musical shone like the sun on its hottest day, and if rainbows could dance then I am sure Alice in Wonderland is where the dancing starts. A beautifully written piece of musical theatre, executed with love and affection that was endeared by all in attendance. With sell-out shows each day the demand was phenomenon, so lets hope Alice will return from the rabbit hole next year and do it all over again.

Raymond Speedie