ILMINSTER Warehouse theatre’s 2025 pantomime Alice in Blunderland has sold out, and I can see why.
I decided to go to the Warehouse Theatre and watch this year’s pantomime, and, as someone who typically avoids them like the plague due to the second-hand embarrassment, I am pleased to report that, not only did I really enjoy it, but I also found it funny.
From the very beginning, I was impressed with the set design, costumes and energy of the actors on stage who truly put everything into their performances.
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Without giving too much away, I enjoyed the unique world of Blunderland, the spin on the Cheshire cat, played by Paul Lewis, being a bohemian flower child, the addition of the troll, played by George Montague, alongside the fearsome gangsters Tweedledum and Dweedledee played by Fen Hopkirk and Mia Sainsbury.
I also loved the White Rabbit, played by Vicki Singleton, who was part of an underground resistance against the Evil Queen.
Heidi Isaac, who played Alice, really stole the show in my eyes, displaying raw musical talent and reminding us all why she was cast as the main character in the first place.
Alongside Heidi, I was really impressed by Jeannie McManus, who played the Queen of Hearts. Despite being the villain of the story, I truly found her character so iconic that at times I was rooting for her - evil schemes and all.
I found Kate Holyhead’s performance as Jilly charming and hilarious; her character was easily lovable, and I thought her characterisation was fantastic – from her voice to her body language, she really embodied the role as a whole.
Further highlights included Molly (great name) played by Liv Turton, William Scott-Robinson’s dazzling performance as King Albert, Ryan Wong’s performance as the Mad Hatter, Jack Montague’s fabulous performance as the executioner and Sophie Mitton’s performance as Harvey, the sweet, if not at times clueless, love interest.
Honestly, everyone who has stepped foot on stage, from both Team Club and Team Spade, deserves a loud round of applause, which they justifiably received when I was watching. Well done, all.
Likewise, credit is due to Colin Leach and David Vince, who wrote the play and John McGrouther, who directed, alongside all the other creatives and crew who put in tireless efforts behind the scenes to bring the vision to life.
Performances took place on December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and one will take place tonight (December 13).
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