Theatre-goers enjoyed a magical trip down the rabbit hole, when students staged a modern twist on a traditional children’s favourite.

Students from Years 7 to 13 at King’s Lynn’s Springwood High School were involved in the production of Alice, an adaptation by playwright Laura Wade of the famous Lewis Carroll classic Alice in Wonderland.

The play retells the well-known story of Alice, but the modern reimagining sees her struggling with grief over her brother’s death as she escapes into a fantastical Wonderland.

While familiar characters such as the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts all put in an appearance, the show features contemporary dialogue and references, along with pop music from the 2000s.

Thirty students took on roles in the cast, while there was plenty of student involvement off-stage too.

“Daisy, a Year 11 student, was an assistant director, as well as sound operator, during performances,” said Robinson Ellin, who is head of drama at Springwood and directed the play.

“We had a large number of students who were makeup artists from a variety of year groups, and three Year 9 students as front-of-house.”

Other staff members supporting the production included drama teachers Georgia Littlemore and Emily Brown as assistant directors; head of year 10 Pete Cuss, who was responsible for sound and original music; arts technician Matthew Austin, who was lighting designer and operator, as well as making the set and props; head of art Lee Eveson, who painted the set and props; and cover supervisor Phoebe Auker, who was in charge of makeup.

“I think that drama productions are an incredible opportunity for students to share stories with the local community – something that has been part of human culture for thousands of years,” said Mr Ellin.

“This particular adaptation explores a young girl and her journey dealing with the loss of her elder brother, Joe. It is a timely reminder that throughout life, with all its trials and tribulations, love is at the heart of our shared existence.”

The show was enjoyed by 280 people over two nights, and took place in the Peter Hopkins Hall at Springwood, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“Without doubt, being involved in a school production is an incredible amount of hard work, but the sense of achievement that students feel when an audience laughs and cheers creates memories that will live with them forever,” Mr Ellin added.