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The extraordinary Chickenshed Theatre company – founded in 1974, literally in a chicken shed – celebrates its fortieth birthday in style with this revival of its modernised, musical version of ‘Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland’.
The company, which doubles as a drama school, prides itself on an inclusive approach to its shows, so Chickenshed casts are usually made up of people from all backgrounds, ages and abilities. This show is no different, but there’s no weak link in the ensemble, which tells tell the story of a vulnerable young Alice who runs away from her troubled home in search of love.
On the streets of London she meets a host of dirty, mean characters, alongside some misunderstood lost souls. The nine performers alternate between playing instruments, singing and acting. Liz Kitchen is superb on percussion. She also delivers an expansive rendition of a gospel singer as well as portraying the raunchy drug baron Queen of Hearts. There’s a hilarious turn from Iain Whitmore – also on bass and acoustic guitar – as Alice’s mother’s Elvis-impersonator boyfriend. Gavin May, meanwhile, makes a great, streetwise but wordless white rabbit who breakdances across the stage. Emma Cambridge returns to Alice, a role she’s been performing since the show was first created in 2003, her voice still retaining its beautiful clarity and innocence.
Jo Collins and Dave Carey’s music features hugely impressive strains of Bowie, hip hop, pop, and country and western music, all performed by a band that’s perched on a raised platform, centre stage. Director Chris Bond and Paula Rees are responsible for the lyrics, which are witty, poignant and funky. They take on broad issues, including our lack of compassion, a mistrust of the different, and our attitudes towards poverty.
This warm-hearted, funny production uses panache and talent to tell a hard but enriching story. It’s a gem of a birthday offering from Chickenshed – here’s to the next 40 years.