Alice in Wonderland

By Jack Bradfield and Gerel Falconer. Directed by Matilda Allen, Isobel Barker, Liv Bell, Miller Duffield, Greta Terzieva and Mira Yew. PLC Perth. Hazel Day Drama Centre, PLC Perth, WA. Aug 7-9, 2025

Alice in Wonderland was PLC’s first Student Led production, sparked when PLC hosted Future Anything, an organisation that helps young people turn their ideas into action. From this came a production where students have taken full creative ownership in this collaborative production.

Led by a student directing team - Matilda Allen, Isobel Barker, Liv Bell, Miller Duffield, Greta Terzieva and Mira Yew - students have handled all aspects of this production. 

This modern adaptation of the Alice story puts Lewis Carrol’s characters into the London Underground, with the Underground logo being a repeated motif in branding of the production (even to the reserved sign on our seats). Maya D’Silva’s sophisticated set design features a train platform, complete with obligatory “Mind the Gap” signage and two train carriages, beautifully appointed. The cast use the space well, especially as they move from one carriage to another. Isabel Greentree’s lighting design supports the production beautifully, adding atmosphere and emotion. Costume designers Samara Sudwell, Rachel Cheveralls and Olivia Brown designed costumes that are fun and recognizable, and what the “look’ lacks in unity it makes up for in creativity. 

Animation through the train window, designed by Miller Duffield adds to the story, and is great fun, and the show runs well under a student crew lead by Roe Kojima.

Casting was strong, with Imogen Whyte as central character Alice very Tenniel in appearance, anchoring the show beautifully, and as a bonus rapping with proficiency. Ava Farrer playing the dual roles of Alice’s mother and Queen of the Line, shows authority and regal bearing, also rapping like a queen. The third of the rapping characters is Eloise Davey’s train guard Chatter, who works the audience with aplomb.

Mimi Castleden was a confident White Rabbit, while Samiya Kefford is a sweet Mock Tortoise. Tea partying with style were Mya Weston’s elegant Pigeon, Auretta Qaqish’s very cute Rat and Hester Bennett’s interesting Nose.

Football playing duo Dum and Dee were played with great energy and teamwork by Arabella Bowles and Sophie Duncan. 

Great work from the rest of the cast, putting full commitment into smaller roles.

Fantastic to see young people taking the lead on a production and working together so successfully. Alice in Wonderland was a joy to watch. 

Kimberley Shaw