ABANDONING the magic and whimsy created by the Cheshire Cat and the White Rabbit in Lewis Carroll’s novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Carroll’s sequel Through the Looking Glass takes a much darker tone, with a war-torn Wonderland and a fearsome Jabberwock. 

Newport Operatic Society stayed true to this gothic theme with heads on spikes decorating the stage and a Red Queen (played by Cat Hill) who was so mean she made Henry VIII look like a saint.

The play follows Alice (Katherine Bluck) and her adventure into a world beyond the mirror in her drawing room.

A special mention must go out to the wonderful stage props – especially that of the mirror – that were simple yet added a touch of mystery to proceedings.

While the dramatic plot left little room for humour, the audience was kept thoroughly entertained by the standout performances of Kat Orford and Danielle Davies whose portrayal of the nonsensical pair Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum proved the show’s younger talent can certainly hold a candle - and then some - to the more senior players.

Another crowd favourite was Stephen Lurvey whose Humpty Dumpty and Unicorn roles also provided a good few laughs.

While certainly darker than the original Wonderland, the show did not scrimp on quirky characters and enchanting storytelling.

Millie Reeves