61,000m of cables, 1,200 bulbs & 600km on foot: Behind the scenes at The Dukes’ Alice in Wonderland show

Set against the stunning backdrop of Williamson Park, this immersive theatrical experience brings Lewis Carroll's timeless classic to life like never before.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated and passionate team works tirelessly to create this magical world. Director Kirstie Davis encapsulates the enthusiasm of the largely-female-lead team: “It’s a fantastic story and script to work on - full of extraordinary characters and lots of fun,” she says. “We have set it in the sixties, so we are also enjoying a lot of ear worms from the composer Steven Markwick!” This creative twist adds a vibrant, nostalgic energy to the production, making it not only a visual but also an auditory delight.

The technical aspects of the show are a monumental feat. Last year’s park show used 60,963 metres of cables and 1,188 light bulbs, demonstrating the scale and complexity of the production. The tech team covered over 600 kilometres on foot during the run of the show, ensuring every detail was meticulously handled. Stage Manager Elspeth Dale’s role is crucial in this elaborate setup.

“Alice in Wonderland is one of my very favourite stories, so it's a dream to help make it come to life on stage!” says Elspeth. “One day we're making flamingo croquet mallets and attaching shoes to hosepipes, the next we're test-driving megalodon monster truck remote control cars (all in the name of theatre, of course). There's a lot of wild and wacky things to get ready, but with such an enthusiastic, fun, and sometimes downright silly team, there's never a dull moment… Lewis Carroll got it right, we really are all mad here.”

The design of the production is equally enchanting. Jessica Curtis, the show’s designer, has infused the 1960s theme into the sets and costumes. “It’s been a joy working at The Dukes for the first time with friends old and new, dreaming up our 1960s wonderland,” she says. The result is a visually stunning experience that transports the audience into a psychedelic wonderland where every detail, from the Cheshire Cat’s grin to the Queen of Hearts’ costume, is meticulously crafted to enhance the storytelling.

The cast, featuring Eve Pereira as Alice, Helen Longworth as the Queen of Hearts, Katie Ball as the Hatter, Ross Telfer as the Caterpillar, Kira Hayes as the Hare, and Rebecca Phythian as the White Rabbit, brings an exceptional level of talent and energy to the production. Each actor embraces their role, ensuring that the audience is captivated by their performances and the story’s enchanting narrative.

The immersive nature of the show means that audiences are not just spectators but participants in the unfolding adventure. The park’s enchanting landscapes become a living stage, offering audiences of all ages a kaleidoscopic journey through Alice’s wonderland. The show’s outdoor setting in Williamson Park adds an extra layer of magic, making it the perfect summer outing.

From the moment you step into this magical world, you’ll be greeted by a cast of curious characters, each more intriguing than the last. Follow Alice as she encounters the mischievous Cheshire Cat, navigates the eccentric tea party of the Mad Hatter, and stands up to the tyrannical Queen of Hearts.

Alice in Wonderland at The Dukes Theatre is more than just a play; it’s a celebration of imagination and the joy of live performance. It’s an event where families can come together, laugh, and be mesmerised by the sheer creativity and enthusiasm of the production. Don’t miss out on this mad-cap family adventure.

Secure your tickets now and get ready to be swept away into a world where the extraordinary is commonplace, where the only limit is your imagination, and where the whole family will make memories to last a lifetime.

Alice in Wonderland is showing from June 19 to August 25. For more information and tickets, head to: https://dukeslancaster.org/whats-on/theatre/alice-in-wonderland. This year's Park Show is sponsored by Lancaster House Hotel.