Alice's final trip to Wonderland will be the maddest tea party this Easter.
Inspired by Lewis Carroll's 'Alice's Adventures In Wonderland', writer and director of 'Wondered', Elodie Boal, says a lot of elements have also been reinvented. “Everything in the production is reimagined – from the Mad Hatter to Alice... I like to think it's Wonderland grown up and older audiences have really responded well to this.”
A one-act play, the alluring production has won over 40 awards for its kooky characters including Best New Australian Play, across the 2015 Southeast Queensland Drama Festival Circuit. The unique take on a traditional fairytale will keep audiences guessing until the very end.
“The play is dark, twisted and speaks to audiences from Hatter’s perspective,” Tweedle Dee actor, Gary Farmer says. “It has all the elements in it, including the comedic characterisations of Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, to the tempting Cheshire cat, to the innocence of Alice and the madness of Hatter.”Told from Hatter's perspective, the hysterically humorous host took some time away from riddles and rhyme to enlighten us on the wonders of 'Wondered':
Now Hatter, some people add 'Mad' to your name, what do you say to them?
Don't call me that. I am not mad!
Have you always had a love of hats? Which has been your favourite? My thinking cap would be my favourite. I like to wear it from time to time. It makes me feel full to the brim.
You're a great party host, where is your favourite place to host a tea party?
Why on a table of course? I like to have tea dripping from the sky, oozing from my veins, pouring out of every mouth!
What is your signature tea and accompanying treat to serve?
Well, some say my personali-tea is rather a treat. But my favourite dish is a cup of quali-tea. Something I deliver in every performance.
Is Easter an enjoyable time of year for you and the gang? What do you get up to?Yes, quite so. This year is especially delightful since our own White Rabbit isn't around. No one need look for him. Instead we can bask in the glory of an egg-cellent tea party! Double tea is always required.
Who do you get along best with in the group? Can you explain everyones' personalities?
Personal remarks are rude! Still, Ches is far from purr-fect – like an unkempt diamond. Whereas Dee and Dum are as thick as clubs and as blunt as used spades. Alice has always been my favourite... Yes, Alice, she has a lovely heart.
In this show, Ches and Alice take a back-seat and have left you in charge of perspective. What can we expect to see through your eyes?
'Wondered' is a spectacle that's surely not to be missed! There's a story you haven't heard before and I'm ready to tell it. In order to understand my point of view though, you need to be where I am – that's logic! Therefore, I think it's best if you visit us for tea.
Will children marvel at 'Wondered' as well?I don't think Wonderland is a place for children anymore. Even Alice, she's much older. Pity.
You've featured in many adaptions since Carroll birthed you, what's been your favourite so far?
You can tell any story an infinite number of ways. Take 'Wondered'; for once I get to tell the story! The real story of 'Alice's Adventures In Wonderland', where we begin at the beginning, get to the end and then we stop.
Lastly, we're begging you to spill the beans: why IS a raven like a writing desk?
Ahh, I see your question and pose you another one instead. Can you tell me why a writing desk is like a raven?
'Wondered' plays Brisbane Arts Theatre 25 & 26 March.
