"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland", The Australian Ballet, State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, Wednesday September 13th 2017

""Alice's Adventures in Wonderland", The Australian Ballet, State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, Wednesday September 13th 2017

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland", The Australian Ballet, State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, Wednesday September 13th 2017

For those new to my blog I write about the holistic experience of attending the theatre. I buy my own tickets. So if you want a re-telling of the story please refer to the links for further information or for further insights.  Note, that I may provide different links for repeated main words or phrases.  I write for my memories of what I have seen, and is more of a stream of consciousness.

I cannot rave enough about "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon and presented by The Australian Ballet at the State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne.  This ballet is so much fun and pays homage to Lewis Carroll in so many ways.

I was fortunate to witness the sublime talent of Lauren Cuthbertson from The Royal Ballet dance the role of Alice.  She was sublime.  Her arms floated and wafted and created so many varied textures.  Her footwork was brilliant - clean, crisp and sharp.

The dual roles of Jack and The Knave of Hearts were danced by Christopher Rodgers-Wilson with strength and precision.

Adam Bull danced the Lewis Carroll and White Rabbit role distinguishing each role with clarity.  His final twitch as a young man on the park bench was priceless.

Nicola Curry as the Mother and Queen of Hearts was sensational.  The costume for the Queen of Hearts pays homage to the "Disney on Parade" 1971 "Alice In Wonderland Unit".  She distinguished between each role with her cruel demeanour as the Queen of Hearts.

Tristan Message as the Father and The King of Hearts made so much out of his downtrodden husband of the queen.  The simple change of body language spoke volumes for the clarity of characterisations.

Jarryd Madden as the Magician and Mad Hatter created distinct characters.  His dancing was fine, while his tap dancing in Act One seemed out of time.  His tap dancing in Act Two was much more secure with clarity of beats and timing.  Some of the tap choreography is quite tricky with changes of weight distribution.  It is a great touch to have tap dancing (a much under-rated dance style) incorporated in such a fun way.  

The Cook danced exquisetly by Dimity Azoury was sheer perfection.  It a dream dance role for Dimity Azoury with her expressive facial expressions and her definite goal driven actions.  She is such a gorgeous young lady who transforms into an ugly cook on a mission, and nothing would appease her.  Her interactions with other characters paid homage to Mrs Lovett from "Sweeney Todd" the musical.  Wow, what a sensational and menacing performance.  

My main disappointment was that I could not return to see this superb production again as tickets had sold out.  I could easily have seen this ballet at least twice more.  I cannot wait for the return season.  Please return in 2019.

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" obtained a 9.5/10.