Backspace Theatre, 1st – 9th June: A Fantastical Journey into the Mind of Lewis Carroll

Alice’s Adventures Under Ground

Treacle wells, ravens and writing desks come to life in the 19th Century living room of Lewis Carroll. The Mad Hatter, Red Queen, Cheshire Cat and many more quirky characters come to life on stage as Carroll tells his most famous stories to his niece Alice, played by the very talented up and coming young actress Madeleine Jeffrey-Moore.

In this fascinating adaptation by Christopher Hampton and Martha Clarke, these well loved characters embody the illogical and nonsensical adult world illuminating the complex life of the whimsical and often melancholy author that was Lewis Carroll, played by Chris Hamley.

Following a successful northern season of the show last month, in which local Hobart theatre company, Hamley Productions were invited to perform the show at the Earl Arts Centre, the cast and crew are thrilled to be bringing the show to the Backspace Theatre – one of the last few shows at the theatre before the Theatre Royal redevelopments.

The cast of five performers, playing up to nine characters each, takes to the stage on Friday 1st June, presenting eight shows, adeptly directed by actor/director, Andrew Casey.

“This show is a wonderful playground for our outstanding actors who really have to rely on their imagination, voice and physicality to bring to life each of Carroll’s characters. It is a joy to tour this show to Launceston.” — Andrew Casey

The five performers include the company’s Creative Director and namesake, Chris Hamley, in the lead role as Lewis Carroll, Madeleine Jeffrey-Moore as the young Alice, and an ensemble of Kate Choraziak, Aleksandra Crossan and Ivano Del Pio who bring to life over twenty different quirky and playful characters from the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ series.

Although this is not a typical children’s adaptation, it is most suitable for ages 13+ and will endear many a nostalgic adult who grew up fondly with the characters of Lewis Carroll.

Carroll’s famous stories were first told to Alice and her sisters on a boat ride down a river in 1862. The children enjoyed the stories so much that Alice pleaded with Carroll, who’s real name was Charles Dodgson – a reverend and maths scholar – to write them down for her. And thus became one of the most enchanting children’s stories, ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ In this stage version, Christopher Hampton, in collaboration with Martha Clarke give the audience a glimpse into the somewhat complex, yet enigmatic, character that was Lewis Carroll, and his eccentric assortment of characters.
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Treacle wells, ravens and writing desks, and bread-and-butterflies all make appearances in this superb and enchanting one act, 90 minute production set to open at the Backspace Theatre on Friday 1st June until Saturday 9th June. Bookings at: www.theatreroyal.com.au

W: www.hamleyproductions.com

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Alice’s Adventures Under Ground
Adapted from the writings of Lewis Carroll by Christopher Hampton in collaboration with Martha Clarke.

Bookings: www.theatreroyal.com.au
Further Company Information: www.hamleyproductions.com