PHOENIX

Youth Theatre delighted audiences recently with a run of performances

of Alice in Wonderland at the Phoenix Theatre in Ross-on-Wye.

The play had a cast of 30 people, who ranged in age from eight to 18 years, with Alice played by Rosamund Williams.

Sarah O’Neill, who runs the group, said: “The performances ran from Saturday, October 15 to Wednesday, October 19 and were sold out before we even began.

“I’ve been running the group now for seven years. It’s a massive commitment for everyone involved as we rehearse every weekend, but there’s a real family feel and many members don’t leave – when they get too old for the group, they often stay to help behind the scenes with costumes, lighting and special effects.”

Special effects during this performance included an aerial silk dance as Alice disappeared down the rabbit hole and ultra violet lighting on puppets, such as the Cheshire Cat’s grin, making them appear to float on stage.

Sarah added: “We get a lot of support from the adult group at the theatre and we’re already beginning to plan next year’s performance, which will be the Royal Shakespeare Company’s version of Wendy and Peter Pan, as well as a couple of smaller performances.

•Phoenix Youth Theatre is holding auditions on Sunday, November 6 from 2pm to 5pm at the theatre. For more details visit www.phoenix-theatre. org.uk/youth-group or contact Sarah O’Neill on 07814 624417 for an audition pack.

•See this week’s Review for more photographs.