“ALICE IN WONDERLAND”

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 27 October 1928, Page 9

“ALICE IN WONDERLAND”

PERFORMANCE BY PUPILS OF BISHOP’S SCHOOL A UNIQUE SUCCESS The educational value of dramatic representation in the school curriculum is now so generally acknowledged that it needs -no comment, but when the play selected, as was the' case with the performance given by the pupils of Bishop s School last evening, is an inimitable children’s comedy such as “Alice in Wonderland,” it is doubly valuable. As scene followed scene it' was difficult to realise that the average age of the performers was only seven years. The characterisations' throughout wer,e accurate, even to the more minute and difficult details, and this, combined with excellent enunciation which i' a leading feature of the training, reflected great credit on the children and on Miss Glendinning. Where each child’s performance was so good it is not easy to select special characters for special mention. Certainly it is no exaggeration to say that “Alice” (Kitty Ledger) was perfect. Her charming naturalness and beautiful enunciation thoroughly captivated the audience. There was also much freshness and spontaneity in the clever work of the “Mad Hatter” (Michael Rout). The more dra rnatie personations were those of the "Duchess” (Peggy Taylor), the “Queen of Hearts” (Charmian Lucas), and the "King of Hearts” (Alison Pike). These are complex personalities—the Duchess, impatient at home, arrogant of her friendship with the Queen, yet sentimental and demonstrative in certain moods. The characterisation was remarkably good Tor a child, and cleverly carried out costume added to the excellent effect. There was also instinctive power of interpretation hv the Queen, so haughty and vindictive".in 'manner, yet taking a lively interest in everybody, her craze for executions being a mere verbal pose. The King, in the same way, conveyed a convincing impression of a weak ineffective personality, trying to uphold his dignity, yet harassed and henpecked. The Dormouse (Patricia McCabe) carried through the part of a sleepy animal with splendid effect, only being aroused under pressure, and then speaking the part well. “White Rabbit” (Lancie Craighead) was very graceful .and effective. The same can he said of all the other parts which were verv creditable to all concerned—" March flare” (Jean Mackenzie), “Cheshire Cat” (Owen Hunt), 1 Mouse” (Joy Ruff ell), “Executioner” (Joy Euffell), “Knave of Hearts” (Audrey Martin), “Cook” (Margery Pike), “Frog Footman” (Alan Monson), “Fish Footman” (Wallace Crighton Brown), “Gardener Two” (Allan Wentworth), “Gardener Five” (Joan Hunt), “Gardener Seven” (Suzanne Rout), “Ace of Hearts”'(Elizabeth Wentworth).

The scenic effects and costuming throughout were most effective. The frog and fish heads were works of art in themselves. Unfortunately, however, the hall was not large enough for the audience, and those towards the back could not see at all well, and a great- many requests have already been made for a repeat performance in a more suitable building and this is now being considered. Cheers were given for Miss Glendinning at the conclusion of the performance. The proceeds are to he divided between the school library and the North China Mission.