As far as fairytales go, it doesn’t get much more iconic than Alice in Wonderland.
First brought to our screens by Disney in the ‘50s, and again in Tim Burton’s film series throughout the 2010’s, the story has been a staple in the childhoods of many. Now, it’s headed to the stage.
For Eowyn Turner, securing the role of Alice was a dream come true, though she said it wasn’t always meant to be.
“I was originally supposed to be the understudy a few years ago, but after COVID lockouts I ended up playing Alice, and I just kept getting asked back,” she said.
“I grew up with the fairytale, so to play Alice has always been a dream of mine.”
Turner has been touring with the show for just over two years now, having performed as Alice in Brisbane two years ago, and in Melbourne over Christmas in 2022.
“It’s been so much fun,” she said.
“The show has always been a hit with kids and families, and it’s fun working in the rehearsal room, the scripts are amazing – it’s just all-round a great show.”
In saying this, she noted that the show, and her role specifically, has definitely had its challenges, having had her learn tongue twisters, and work with puppets as well as people.
“I’d say the most challenging parts would be learning some of the lines, especially with rewrites, but my favourite parts would 100 per cent be working with some of the puppets and the other actors,” she said.
She said she can’t wait to bring it to Sydney Coliseum for the school holidays.
“I’m 100 per cent excited, I’ve got family down there!” she said.
Featuring breathtaking costuming and puppetry, using ingenious stagecraft and limitless imagination, the show is captivating from start to finish.
But, Turner said there is one part she’s excited for people to see.
“I think all of the parts are magical in their own way, but I’d say a personal favourite of mine that everyone loves due to how iconic it is would probably be the tea party,” she said.
Kicking off on Thursday, January 4, Turner said it’s a must see for kids big and small this school holidays.
“It’s great for kids and families, and it’s all-round phenomenal. It really brings the characters to life, and I just 100 per cent recommend it,” she said.
Alice in Wonderland will be on at Sydney Coliseum from Thursday, January 4 to Saturday, January 6. Tickets start at $44.90. For more information or to book, visit www.sydneycoliseum.com.au.
Cassidy Pearce is a news and entertainment journalist with The Western Weekender. A graduate of the University of Technology Sydney, she has previously worked with Good Morning Macarthur and joined the Weekender in 2022.
