Durham transforms into Wonderland in new production

Beth Crame, who will be playing Alice

The stage is being set for Gala Durham's Alice in Wonderland which, from Tuesday 1 August, will bring the classic tale to life with a unique and daring twist.

The production brings together all the favourite characters from the original story, from the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter to the Queen of Hearts, for all the fun of the fair as Alice is thrown into a marvellous, magical, musical adventure.

Young Alice loves helping on the rides with her dad Eric - it's always been the two of them. Alice's life is turned upside down when her dad says they are leaving the fair. Confused and sad, Alice feels lost.

But after dark that night, the fair comes alive and Alice is suddenly plunged into an incredible adventure in this strange new Wonderland where everything is topsy-turvy. Luckily, Lewis Carroll's unforgettable characters are there to help her on a journey that will bring her closer to her family than she ever imagined.

Theatre magic

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "We are incredibly excited to be raising the curtain on our upcoming production of Alice in Wonderland. This production is a unique and heart-warming take on the classic tale and full of fun, friendship, family and finding your place in times when you feel a little bit different to others.

"We are committed to creating cultural opportunities for all as part of our aim to make County Durham the culture county. Suitable for children aged five and over, this production is the perfect occasion for families to enjoy a trip out together while introducing their little ones to all the magic and wonders of the theatre."

Fantastic cast

The production has been written by Laura Turner, who previously wrote Gala Durham's Christmas family production in 2021, The Nutcracker Re-Miced.

Director Rachel Glover, musical director Joshua Tarrier, choreographer Helen West and costume designer Emily Baxendale also return for Alice In Wonderland having been part of the team behind the venue's pantomime last year, Sleeping Beauty.

Alice will be performed by Beth Crame, who will be sharing the stage with Steven Stobbs as The White Rabbit, Kieron Michael as the Mad Hatter, Aiden Nord as the Dormouse, and Karen Traynor as the Duchess.

Gala Durham also welcomes the return of Kylie Ann Ford as The Queen of Hearts, having previously played Will Scarlett and Friar Tuck in The Adventures of Robin Hood in 2021 and Tai Chi Chief of Police in Aladdin in 2019.