The Music Department will bring to life a historic stage adaption of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale Alice in Wonderland on Friday 21 February and Friday 29 May.
The public performance, which takes place in the Colyer-Fergusson Hall at 19.30, will involve the University Cecilian Choir, an ensemble of around 30 students and staff, as well as soloists, and the piano quartet. The production features many University Music Scholars and Music Award holders amongst the cast and musicians.
The project marks the anniversary of the birth of Sir John Tenniel, illustrator of the first publication of Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice in Wonderland. This Victorian adaption was first performed at the Royal Globe Theatre on 23 December 1886, with production overseen by Carroll himself. Subtitled A Musical Dream-Play for Children and Others, the production was written by Henry Savile Clarke, with music by Walter Slaughter. It ran for almost 30 years.
The University of Kent’s adaption has been reconstructed from a vocal score by its Deputy Director of Music, Dan Harding. He said: ‘It’s been a genuine collaborative effort between students and staff from across the university community, working together to bring this classic tale to life after nearly one hundred years. The whole cast has really engaged with the project during rehearsals; we cannot wait for the public to see it come to life!’
Alongside the performances, there will be ancillary exhibition of some of Tenniel’s illustrations from the original publication, which will also be included in the performance, projected above the heads of the performers. The University’s Special Collections department will also present a display of original materials from its collections relating to (or inspired by) Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll and John Tenniel. The exhibition will run from Monday 3 February – Friday 20 March.
Tickets are: £10 for public admission and £5 for students. This includes a pre-performance tea party. Tickets can be purchased here.