Reviewed by Christine Pyman Friday 7th March 2014
Ink Pot Arts Inc. is a community art group run by industry professionals, so the best can be expected, and is delivered. They have a knack for finding the most amazing venues for their productions that add to the sense of unreality and enchantment of whichever play they are performing at that time. After driving along winding pathways at the rear of The Waldorf School, it started to feel as if we were following the White Rabbit to get to The Living Arts Centre and, once inside, that feeling was reinforced by the wonderful architecture of the space.
Through The Looking Glass And What Alice Found There followed
Lewis Carrolls' original chess plan for the book, but emphasised Alice's reactions to the changing situations as a metaphor for adaptability in our life situations. Hannah Cossutta's set design was brilliant, literally setting the scene for an entrancing hour and a half where we were transported through the looking glass into this apparently confusing world, where confusing rules control all; much like growing into adulthood, really.
The multimedia effects and puppetry were totally mesmerising and delightful, achieving moments of sinister shadow where appropriate. The cast, more than ably led by Caitlin Pettit in the title role and Laney Walker/Isla Francis as small Alice, performed as well as any professional cast, and with more enthusiasm. Humpty Dumpty, as a spoilt, camp, self-important diva, was bought to oversized life by Reid Schmidt (also the Red King) with a performance that will set the standard for me of any future Mr Dumptys that I see.
The supercilious Red Queen, Abbie Aylet, and ditsy White Queen, Leila Clendon (Lauren Holdstock on alternate nights), both could have professional careers on stage ahead of them if they so wish. Kobe Donaldson made both the White King and The White Knight come to life as gawky, stalking creatures, adding to the overall delightfulness.
If all this wasn't enough, there was also especially composed sound and music, played live by
Alexander Mitchell and Tane Parsons. Everyone in the cast contributed to this memorable, magical, performance in a way that showed hours of preparation, thoroughness, and passion. Ink Pot Arts Inc. is an organisation well worth supporting and well worth seeing, and their plays should be on everyone's 'must see' list.
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