Written by Luke Jeffery
After a year without live performance, we are thrilled to be working on a new show with La La Arts! Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s novel ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland‘, this promenade production has been designed for small audiences of up to twelve people and takes place throughout the grounds at Torre Abbey. Audiences can expect live music, interactive games and unforgettable characters!
We first started working on the project back in January, when we commissioned La La Arts to create a new family show with us. It was our aim to create a project which could take place regardless of Covid restrictions. In fact, we tried to view the restrictions imposed by the pandemic as a creative challenge, designing a framework for the show which we could adapt if circumstances changed. Performances would take place outdoors and be limited to small, socially distanced audiences. The shows would run on an hourly basis, allowing more audiences to participate and enjoy the experience.
From that initial framework the production has continued to evolve, with our plans adapting and changing as details of the government roadmap emerged. The process began entirely via Zoom, with lots of meetings and virtual brainstorming sessions, but when restrictions eased we began to meet in person again and were able to visit the site to plot out the route of the show.
We really want this show to be a joyful experience and an opportunity for audiences to forget about their troubles for a little while. We are also very aware that people haven’t been to live performances for a long time, and there may be some uncertainty and anxiety associated with this. The characters of our show share some of these concerns, and when we first meet them it’s clear that they also haven’t encountered other people for while. As the story progresses, the characters, and hopefully audiences, lose their inhibitions and rediscover the joy of seeing people again.
At its heart, our Wonderland story is about the importance of connection in an increasingly absurd and uncertain world. We can’t wait to share it with you and look forward to seeing you at Torre Abbey very soon!
Wonderland at Torre Abbey opens on Monday 31st May and runs until June 6th. Performances start at regular hourly intervals throughout the day.
BOOK TICKETS
