Two of our all time favourite stories have collided and the outcome is Alice in Never Neverland.  Wonderland and Neverland have somehow become entangled and Alice and Peter Pan (with the help of the Mad Hatter and Big Chief Flying Eagle) must save Tiger Lily from Captain Hook.

When:  Various dates at 10.30am and 6pm until 24 January 2015.  Click here for more information.

Where: Rippon Lea House & Garden, 192 Hotham Street, ELSTERNWICK

Cost: tickets are $25 each or a group of four $90

Peter’s shaddow

Captain Hook

Review

We are very familiar with these two stories (having done both of them as our school productions) and so what a fabulous idea to bring the two tales together.  The actors bring the characters to life with a wonderful sense of fun – I really couldn’t imagine a more perfect Alice or Peter Pan.  And the supporting cast do a fantastic job too – so many highlights that I can’t choose.  Probably our favourite supporting character was Peter’s shadow – but, I have to add that the crocodile and the White Rabbit are favourites too..

The show is set in the gardens of Rippon Lea – if it’s a fine day be sure to pack a picnic lunch and make the most of your access to the gardens as it’s very pretty and an easy spot to while away the afternoon (or early evening if you are going to the 6pm show).

The performance includes a hunt through the gardens (led by Alice and Peter) to find Tiger Lily as well as cannon ball throwing at Captain Hook’s ship.

It’s quite a tale to tell and with over ten characters to introduce they need all of an hour and a half to finish the show with a rescued Tiger Lily and banished Captain Hook.

A few things to note:

• The performers do not wear microphones so do try to get a spot up the front (however we were towards the back and could hear everything).
• There is half shade from the surrounding trees and a few scattered cafe umbrellas – but the sun did move, so be sure to slip slop slap.
• We took our picnic rug to sit on – but some people came with beanbags and cushions and looked very comfortable!
• Toilets are located up a path near the main house – so factor that into your show time (there is no interval)
• Food available onsite is limited to the cafe/gift shop at the main entrance – which is very small and doesn’t cope too well with a crowd

We have reviewed some other works by The Australian Shakespeare Company:  Wind in the Willows and Caribbean Pirates at the Polly Woodside.