DCIS Production Alice in Wonderland

Featuring a double cast, students performed two matinees to Years 5 and 6 and two sold out evening performances. Following the demand for tickets, we took the decision to open the dress rehearsal, to enable even more of our community to enjoy this spectacle.

The titular role of Alice was skillfully embodied by Olivia (Year 9) and Nathalie (Year 10). They were able to translate Alice’s inquisitive, spirited and independent nature, as she encountered the colourful characters of Wonderland. We cannot praise these students highly enough for the dedication that they showed to rehearsals, which was essential as they masterfully held the show together. Along the way, Alice was guided through her adventures by the White Rabbit (Ruotian – Year 7), the Cheshire Cat (Alma and Anaeya– Year 10) and the comedy duo of the Mock Turtle (Max – Year 8), and the Gryphon (Cooper – Year 9). Praise must go to Max and Cooper for embracing the wackiness of Lewis Carroll’s writing and bringing to life these two absurd characters in a fun and jolly way. A highlight of the show was the moment Alice was invited to take a seat at the tea party with The Mad Hatter (Maria and Lachlan – Year 9), The March Hare (Darcey and Harper – Year 8) and the Dormouse (Maisy – Year 9 and Demir – Year 7). Madcap high jinks ensued as Alice tried to make sense of the riddles and rhymes thrown her way. Ultimately, Alice’s adventure culminated in a meeting with the formidable Queen of Hearts (Margo – Year 8 and Nayantara – Year 10) and her husband The King of Hearts, brilliantly portrayed by Felipe - Year 8.

A huge thank you must go to those students who demonstrated courage, tenacity and resilience by stepping into key roles, at a moments’ notice, due to illness. Our admiration goes to: Cameron – Year 9 (Father William and Gryphon), Louis – Year 7 (White Rabbit), Anwen – Year 7 (Tweedledum), Zachary – Year 7 (Tweedledee) and Dia – Year 8 (Two and Old Oyster).

Ultimately the success of this production lies in the fact that at the heart of the show was diversity, inclusion and collaboration - values which we aspire to and cherish at DCIS. To witness the coming together of students from all year groups, backgrounds and seeing how they helped each other reach their full potential, was truly humbling.

Hannah Vickers

Deputy Head of English (Secondary)