The reviews are in for Saundersfoot Footlights’ production of Alice in Wonderland - which brings magic, laughter, and community spirit in a vibrant performance!

This enchanting adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale - which runs until Saturday, December 6 -blends classic storybook charm with the fun and festive spirit of pantomime. Packed with comedy, chaos, and heart, Alice in Wonderland promises a topsy-turvy evening of wonder for the whole family.

Stepping into the Regency Hall for the Panto, you could immediately feel the infectious excitement rippling through the audience. Families, friends, and local supporters packed the venue, eager to experience a beloved classic reimagined with the sparkle and silliness of pantomime.

From the very first moment, the show burst into life. Alice, played with charming innocence by Imogen Evans, tumbled down the rabbit hole and was greeted by the mischievous Cheshire Cat, brought to life with wit and flair by Janina Evans and Hannah Hawkins, along with a host of colourful Wonderland characters.

First-time director Anna Nelmes deserves huge credit for cleverly weaving traditional panto elements including audience participation and general silliness into the surreal and whimsical world of Lewis Carroll. The result was a production that felt both familiar and refreshingly inventive.

The cast radiated enthusiasm, throwing themselves into their roles with gusto. From the eccentric Mad Hatter (Emily Nelmes) and friends the March Hare (Vinc Brinton-Hayward) and Dormouse (Ebi Hanlon) to the delightfully over-the-top Queen of Hearts (Karmen Blake), every character was played with energy and humour. It was clear that this was a labour of love, and that sense of joy spilled over into the audience.

Particularly funny were the Tweedles - Dum and Dee - played by Jordan Dicken and Angela Prickett and the Queens Guards Ronnie (Jack Butler) and Reggie (Rhys Barrellie).

Sam Gilpen played a wonderfully nervous White Rabbit and Fergie Beynon the laid back Caterpillar, and we mustn’t forget the Doorknob played by Betsy Cole!

The ensemble of flowers, creatures, and guards was vibrant and full of life, with choreography that truly deserves praise.

Visually, the show was a treat. The scenery and lighting transported us straight into Wonderland, while the costumes—complete with a playful nod to steampunk—were nothing short of fantastic. The attention to detail in dressing the Wonderland creatures was particularly impressive, adding an extra layer of magic to the performance.

Ultimately, Alice in Wonderland – The Panto was more than just a show; it was a celebration of community spirit, creativity, and the enduring power of live theatre.

If you’re looking for a night out filled with laughter, warmth, and a dash of madness, there’s still time to catch this delightful production before the curtain falls later this week.

The show continues from December 3 to 7, at 7pm; and on Saturday, December 6 at 2pm.

Whether you’re a long-time supporter of the Footlights productions or visiting Wonderland for the very first time - grab your tea party hats, warm up your voices, and head along for an unforgettable journey down the rabbit hole!