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Stage Right For Wonder of `Wonderland`
There will be fresh competition for Hollywood`s current film take on children`s classic Alice in Wonderland this Easter when University of Derby graduates take to the stage with their version.
Those preferring to see a live version of the Lewis Carroll tale can see the production with music by Uncontained Arts, the Derby graduate theatre troupe, at Derby Theatre. It has been produced by the University and Buxton Opera House.
It will be the first time that a play by University-trained actors has appeared on the main stage of Derby Theatre, since the University took charge of the site.
The cast will be considerably smaller than the big budget film. Just three actors will take on all of the roles along Alice`s journey down the rabbit hole, supplemented by artful use of puppetry.
Alice in Wonderland will be at Derby Theatre for four performances - on Good Friday April 2 and Saturday April 3, at 2pm and 6pm both days - then at the Buxton Opera House on Easter Monday at 3pm.
The production will then embark on an extensive national tour of 33 dates in three months, including performances at the Lowry Theatre in Manchester and the E4 Udderbelly arts festival, on London`s Southbank.
It follows Uncontained Arts` successful national tour last year, with their version of Hans Christian Andersen tale The Little Mermaid.
Paul Hurt, Production Co-ordinator for Theatre Arts at the University, said: "It will be great to kick off the Alice in Wonderland tour with the first ever performance of a University co-produced production on the main stage at Derby Theatre, since it was taken over by the University.
"I`d like to think that families will find our version of the story a thrilling one."
Cara Nolan, of Uncontained Arts, added: "The fact that our production will be out at the same time as the Tim Burton film of Alice is pure coincidence.
"Our version is a lot lighter in tone, and is meant to be family fun for theatregoers aged from four to 104."
Tickets for Uncontained Arts` production of Alice in Wonderland are price £10, and £8 concessions, from the Derby Live Box Office on telephone number 01332 255800 or through website www.derbylive.co.uk.