ALICE IN WONDERLAND

It may seem a bit presumptuous of the Director and Scriptwriter to review his own production, but, as I will try and explain, I feel justified in doing so. Perhaps this may also give an insight into how Coll pantomimes are performed.

I adapted the complex story of 'Alice' from the Lewis Carroll original, simplifying scenes and omitting sections that would seem impracticable for our purpose. I then handed round the script to the assembled players before we began rehearsing. Strangely enough, what comes out in the final performance bears little resemblance to my original! During the weeks before the first performance the cast modify and 'improve' the script so that I have only the faintest control and influence by the end.

So there you have it: as an outsider I can give an account of what was a triumphant night for the Coll Players.

Alice was played by Caroline Thom in a fine naturalistic way, giving a bemused bewilderment to the role. The White Rabbit, perhaps the link throughout the story, was Stef Biel whose brilliant costume was made by Barbara Payne. Apart from having to fight off younger members of the audience at one point, his performance went without a hitch. (At the second showing Stef had moments of panic as he had left his 'head' at Bousd and had to be made up instead. The missing mask appeared in time, although I secretly thought he looked more like a rabbit without it!)

The King and Queen of Hearts (Ron Davies and Peter Smalley), gave a new meaning to the word 'interpretation', producing a superb display of timing and comedy

The Mad hatter's tea party will be talked about for years among theatregoers. Will Self, as the host, depicted a manic, subversive character with a cruel sense of humour. He had told me earlier that he found the part extremely easy to portray. Say no more! John English brought a new pathos to the 'Dormouse'. I am convinced that he held the scene together with his powerful talent. John Porrelli, (doing his own stunts), was the catalyst in creating a colourful and memorable comedy sketch.

The soldiers of the King of Hearts were portrayed by Richard Lee, Amanda Algar, Juliet Conway and Ginny Evans. What they lacked in marching technique they made up for in glamour - at least Richard did.

The volatile mixture of Lee Bell and Moira Maclntyre again brought tears to the eyes of most of the audience... and to the eyes of the Director for different reasons. The now famous 'Hammock' scene has become part of the syllabus at most drama schools throughout Britain. I am negotiating with the Royal Shakespeare Company a deal whereby it may be used in a forthcoming production of 'Anthony and Cleopatra'. We have come to a standstill at the moment as we can't find a way to balance the Asp on the hammock.

Ali Anderson must get a mention for bringing dignity to the performance. His 'Head Gardener' brought a whiff of summer days among the compost heap and the scent of potting sheds and weedkiller.

A special mention should be made of Ian Cochrane who this year played the knave. Each Coll Pantomime ends with Ian's entrance in some humiliating form or other ... long may it continue. Seriously though, thank you to Ian and all the cast for their hard work and patience.

Lavinia Bristol narrated the story; Karen, Moya and Debs painted the scenery; Mairi and Barbara helped with costumes. Thanks should also go to Jo Davies as Assistant Director. I should have listened to her advice a little more often!

There was a second performance of 'Alice' on Hogmanay. The 'Lubricated Version'. The least said about that the better! I looked up the definition of 'Director' in the Oxford Dictionary: Superintendent, manager esp. stage manager producer of film or play... Who are they kidding?!!! Mike Taylor