This summer The Ruined Theatre, the team behind the 2021 successes Our Teacher’s a Troll and WITCHES, are bringing a classic tale to life with a modern twist. Ally in Wonderland is a new adaptation by writer Frank Saunders of Lewis Carroll’s famous tale, opening at Lesnes Abbey this August.
While trying to avoid starting secondary school after the summer holidays, Ally falls down a rabbit hole and finds themself in the strange and fantastical world of Wonderland. While in Wonderland the rebellious Ally meets some of the strange land’s most infamous characters including The Mad Hatter, The Queen of Hearts and the White Rabbit. But will Ally learn that time isn’t meant to stand still? In order to overcome the greatest challenge of all, Ally needs to discover the secret weapon before they’re stuck for good in Wonderland and can’t get back home.
Ally in Wonderland is a new take on the beloved tale of one child’s adventure in Wonderland, learning important life lessons and meeting fascinating characters along the way. In the stunning outdoor setting of the Lesnes Abbey ruins, families will be spirited to Wonderland with Ally this summer. Lesnes Abbey is easier than ever to get to, with its closest station, Abbey Wood, now on the Elizabeth line. Ally in Wonderland is suitable for children of all ages and relaxed performances are available. Discounted tickets are available for local residents.
The creative team behind Ally in Wonderland are producers The Ruined Theatre, writer Frank Saunders, director Nancy Sullivan, movement director Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, puppet designer and director Maia Kirkman-Richards and designer Alice McNicholas. The cast are Assiba Kouakou as Ally, Anneka Gouldbourne as the Queen of Hearts/Mum, Dan Reilly as the March Hare, Meredith Lewis as the White Rabbit, and Ed Kaye as the Mad Hatter.
Ally in Wonderland is funded by Arts Council England and Ruined Theatre patron Jason Haigh-Ellery of Big Finish Productions.
Thursday 4th – Sunday 14th August 2022, 1pm Tuesday – Sunday, 10am on Sundays and on Saturday 13th August
Location Lesnes Abbey, Lesnes Abbey Woods, New Road, London, SE2 0AX
Box Office Tickets are available from £6-£12.50 at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ally-in-wonderland-at-lesnes-abbey-ruins-tickets-313351752527
How to get there Lesnes Abbey is off the B213 Abbey Road, Abbey Wood, with limited parking on Abbey Road and New Road. The nearest railway station is Abbey Wood, which is a 10-minute walk and is now less than 20 minutes from Liverpool Street on the Elizabeth line, and 30 minutes from Paddington. Lesnes Abbey is on bus routes 99, 229, 469, 310 and B11.
Producer The Ruined Theatre
Director Nancy Sullivan
Writer Frank Saunders
Movement Director Tinovimbanashe Sibanda
Puppet Designer, Maker and
Director Maia Kirkman-Richards
Designer Alice McNicholas
Cast
Ally Assiba Kouakou
Queen of Hearts/Mum Anneka Gouldbourne
March Hare Dan Reilly
White Rabbit Meredith Lewis
Mad Hatter Ed Kaye
