Escape with Alice at Lydiard Park... EMMA DUNN hears all about it

THE madcap adventures of Alice through the Looking Glass will be brought to life in the beautiful surroundings of Lydiard Park next month.

Quantum Theatre will be performing an adaptation of the Lewis Carroll classic on Friday, August 15 from 6.30pm to 9pm.

Follow Alice’s fantastical adventures in the strange world she enters through the mirror above her drawing-room fireplace and meet Tweedledum and Tweedledee, the Walrus and the Carpenter, The Lion and the Unicorn and, of course, the Jabberwock.

Actor Alistair Brown plays Tweedledum, Humpty Dumpty, the Red Queen, the Red Knight, and the White King.

“It’s a very true adaptation of the Lewis Carroll book performed by four actors, he said.

“Alice through the Looking Glass is not as well known as the first book, Wonderland, so it’s even more fun because it’s not necessarily what the audience is expecting.

“With just having four people in, it’s very pacy, energetic and a really fun show.”

The story of Through the Looking Glass is a real family favourite, following Alice’s fantastical adventures in a world laid out in the form of a giant chess board.

Before long, Alice finds herself entering the game as a white pawn. The story follows her travels across the board until she is crowned queen at the eighth square and along the way she encounters some of Carroll’s most memorable and enduring characters.

The piece is also filled with many fine nonsense poems and songs which are still quoted from today.

“Come along for a really great night out. It’s a lovely setting and with the backdrop of Lydiard House, it’s gorgeous,” said Alistair.

“The show is entertaining and fun and there is music and poetry.

“There is something in the show for people of all ages from the very young to the very old. It is very much a family-orientated show.

“There is quite sophisticated humour in the show, as well as madcap adventures and larger than life characters.”

For tickets, which are £14 for adults or £10 for children, call 01793 524481 or visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk.